MPS receives $20 million from GE

The GE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Connecticut-based General Electric Company, recently awarded Milwaukee Public School district a five-year grant totaling $20 million. The grant, part of the Foundation’s Developing Futures in Education program, is the largest-ever single corporate contribution to the system.
“GE understands that America’s position as a leader in innovation and industry depends on the strength of today’s students and our education system,” said Bob Corcoran, president and chairman of the GE Foundation. “Developing Futures is an important commitment to bolstering math and science education in our schools, equipping students with skills to continue in higher education and become leaders in the global economy.”
The grant will support MPS initiatives to better prepare students for college and career opportunities with a strong focus in math and science programs. One initiative includes creating a system-wide math and science curriculum for students. Teachers in the district will also receive assistance for career advancement and training programs designed to foster new ideas and approaches to teaching and mentoring students.
“This announcement takes the partnership between GE and MPS to a new level,” said Marcelo Mosci, president and chief executive officer of Waukesha-based GE Healthcare Americas. “Decades of engagement between GE employees and the teachers, administrators and students at MPS have proven to be an amazing experience, and we are confident that this grant will only serve to strengthen that partnership and provide even greater value to the GE families in Milwaukee.”
The grant money will also support relationships with GE Volunteers who will commit time and resources for mathematic and science related projects and events within MPS.
"The GE Foundation grant will help us provide our students with cutting-edge resources and educational programs that will better position many for college and, ultimately, careers as our nation’s future engineers, doctors and scientists," said Gregory Thornton, superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. "We are deeply grateful to GE and the GE Foundation for their commitment to Milwaukee’s young students and for partnering with our city’s educators to improve the state of our schools and, in turn, our communities."