7 metro Detroit schools to benefit from GM's $27.1-million gift

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan plans to transform seven more metro Detroit high schools into a series of new and smaller schools using a charitable gift of $27.1 million from the General Motors Foundation.

The money also will pay for seven early learning community centers near the high schools where parents can learn to prepare their children for kindergarten.

The foundation announced the five-year gift, its largest ever, in December and will announce the seven high schools: East Detroit, Central, Henry Ford, Madison, Hamtramck, River Rouge and Harper Woods.