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Milwaukee Public Schools will receive $20.4 million over five years from the GE Foundation to improve math and science achievement among students, school and GE officials announced Wednesday.

The grant is the largest-ever single corporate contribution to MPS, according to the GE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the General Electric Co.

"This is a significant investment that will make a huge difference in the academic lives of our children," MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton said in a news release.

The grant will be used to help the school system develop a rigorous math and science curriculum as well as provide professional development to teachers. MPS officials said they would bring in a variety of experts and stakeholders to work on the curriculum and help implement it across the district.

"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," Bob Corcoran, president and chairman of the GE Foundation, said in a news release.

The grant is from GE's Developing Futures in Education program, launched in September 2005, that is focused on improving math and science achievement in public schools.