ANN ARBOR, Mich., November 28, 2012 /3BL Media/ - The General Motors Foundation today announced it awarded a $200,000 grant to the University of Michigan to support diversity initiatives and advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula and programs.

Dean Guard, GM's University Relations Team Coordinator for U of M, presented the check on behalf of the GM Foundation to Michael Drake, U of M director of corporate relations, at a luncheon Friday attended by key focus areas leaders from U of M and GM. The donation is a part of the Foundation’s University Grants program, which has funded programs that advance STEM education at universities across the country.

 “The GM Foundation’s University Grants program continues to invest in universities that recognize the importance of STEM education,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America and a GM Foundation board member. “Fostering strong and diverse workforce talent in science, engineering and technology is essential to the sustainability of the auto industry and the long-term economic health of the country.”

The Foundation’s grant will fund a variety of initiatives, including the U of M’s Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach, which supports programs like M-STEM Academy, a two-year program that better prepares incoming STEM majors for careers in the global engineering workforce.

“Our longstanding partnership with the GM Foundation is helping us achieve the mutual goal of preparing today’s students for innovative careers in engineering and manufacturing,” said    David C. Munson, Jr., Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, U of M College of Engineering. “This grant enables the University to provide students and faculty with the resources needed to excel in STEM fields.”

Over the last five years of the grant program, the GM Foundation has supported nearly 60 universities across the country to advance STEM and related curricula that support innovation, technology and manufacturing.

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, 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.

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