GM Foundation contributes $2.87 million to higher education

(December 9, 2014) DETROIT — The General Motors Foundation today announced grants totaling $2.875 million to support 29 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 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.