ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today General Motors received a Summit award for philanthropy from United Way Worldwide, the country's largest privately funded nonprofit. The award is the result of GM and the GM Foundation's dedication to making a difference in communities across the U.S., particularly in the area of education. The GM Foundation has pledged $27.1 million to United Way for Southeastern Michigan to create a "Network of Excellence" within seven metro Detroit high schools and increase graduation rates from 50% to 80% over five years. Attendance rates at all seven schools improved last year -- an early indicator for improved graduation rates.
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"General Motors and the GM Foundation have made a tremendous commitment to education and ensuring that all people are given the tools they need to be successful in life" said Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide president and CEO. "The company, its foundation and employees are investing resources and volunteer hours in our schools and students to measurably improve graduation rates. We applaud their leadership, generosity and dedication to creating the next generation of leaders and innovators."
Last year, GM employees also contributed more than $5.8 million through the company's United Way campaign, plus teamGM Cares Volunteers who tracked their service hours provided nearly 1,200 hours of service to the Network of Excellence schools. GM employees mentored students, performed mock job interviews, provided job shadowing and worked on many other service projects throughout the community. GM also partnered on an innovative "Get Schooled Detroit Attendance Challenge;" the winning high school increased attendance 8.56% and won Detroit native and musician Big Sean as Principal for the Day. Chevrolet also provided a Network of Excellence teacher with the use of a Chevrolet Volt for one year after she won an essay contest regarding the "Innovative use of Technology in the Classroom."
"GM and the GM Foundation are determined to make a difference in the lives of today's youth through our support of educational initiatives, and through service," said GM Foundation President and GM Director of Corporate Relations Vivian Pickard. "To be honored for reaching students and improving educational outcomes – as well as the other efforts we do in the community -- is very rewarding."
United Way presented awards to General Motors, 3M, Bank of America, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, The Mosaic Company and Wells Fargo. The Spirit of America and Summit Awards program is United Way's highest national honor for a corporation, recognizing outstanding United Way Global Corporate Leaders. Join @UnitedWay and congratulate @GM on Twitter.
About General Motors 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, Environment and Energy 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.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org.
Media Contacts:
United Way
Amanda Ponzar
Amanda.ponzar@unitedway.org
703-836-7112, x253
General Motors/GM Foundation
Maria Mainville
maria.mainville@gm.com
313-573-7794
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SOURCE United Way Worldwide