The University of Louisville on Friday announced the largest gift in the history of its College of Education.
The $5 million donation will benefit five lower performing Jefferson County public schools, including The Academy at Shawnee high school, Westport Middle, and Atkinson, Cochran and Portland elementary schools..
U of L’s Foundation is matching a donation from the Mary K. Oxley Foundation, according to President James Ramsey. The $5 million is being invested in teacher development, supports and summer enrichment programs, he said.
This is a continuation of its Signature Partnership Initiative that already supports some Jefferson County public schools, he said.
The donation will also help teachers pursue National Board Certification, with an agreement to stay at the school for at least three more years.
Ramsey said finding gifts this generous is difficult.
“It’s more challenging than business, it’s far more challenging than medicine and engineering,” he said.
The Oxley Foundation also donated $1 million to U of L for education in 2010.
