GM Foundation Contributes $2.875 Million to Higher Education
Grants total nearly $45.6 million over last decade to advance STEM
DETROIT, December 9, 2014 /3BL Media/ – The General Motors Foundation today announced grants totaling $2.875 million to support 29 leading universities and organizations across the country in 2014 through its University/Organization Partner Program.
The initiative provides funding to advance secondary education curricula in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, information technology and other fields important to the automotive industry.
“The STEM workforce is and will continue to be a vital component in building communities and transforming our nation’s future,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. “By strengthening higher education programs and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers, we’re ensuring that the next generations of leaders and innovators will have the skills and education they’ll need to succeed and compete globally.”
The GM Foundation has awarded more than $13.7 million in grants through the University/Organization Partner Program since 2011. Through this annual program, the GM Foundation provides resources that help more students to graduate with STEM-related degrees. The funds also support design and manufacturing degree programs, diversity initiatives, student organizations and career development resources.
This year’s list of GM Foundation grant recipients is comprised of: Art Center College of Design, Brigham Young University, University of California-Berkeley, Cleveland Institute of Arts, University of Cincinnati,College for Creative Studies, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kettering University,Lawrence Technological University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michigan State University,Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, National Black MBA Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Ringling College of Art and Design, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Stanford University, University of Texas-Austin, United Negro College Fund (Howard University), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Additional financial support for college students comes from the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program which is funded by the GM Foundation and is one of the largest scholarship programs in the country. Since its inception in 2011, Buick Achievers and has awarded $28 million to 3,400 students entering or attending college to study STEM and fields related to the auto industry. Special consideration is given to students who are female, minorities, first-generation college students, military veterans and military dependents, as well as students who excel in the classroom and give back to their communities.
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
