GM Foundation gives $27M to raise Mich. grad rates

The General Motors Foundation plans to give $27.1 million -- the largest donation in its 34-year history -- to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to help increase graduation rates and rebuild the area's skilled work force, the organizations announced Friday.

The money will go toward creating what's known as a Network of Excellence.

The network will choose five high schools from which to create up to 20 academies along with establishing five early learning communities to help get young children ready for kindergarten.