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Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room
The nearly $500,000 investment will place books in 77 DPSCD schools and support literacy, STEM enrichment, and summer learning for thousands of Detroit students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT, MI (May 26, 2026) — It’s a gift that will keep on giving for generations to come. 43,000 books will soon be delivered to 77 DPSCD elementary, middle, and K-8 schools across Detroit. With an estimated retail value at approximately $500,000, this monumental effort represents one of the largest literacy-focused book donations in recent DPSCD history.
The massive, districtwide book distribution is made possible through a partnership between General Motors, First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise furthering educational opportunities nationwide, the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation, the official philanthropic arm of DPSCD, and Detroit Public Schools Community District.
The historic delivery will take place on Wednesday, May 27. Books will be distributed across the district, including featured school drop-offs utilizing GM BrightDrop electric delivery vehicles. Media are invited to attend at the following locations.
WHEN: May 27 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
WHERE: Palmer Park Preparatory Academy (3901 Margareta Ave, Detroit, MI 48221)
Visual opportunities will include GM BrightDrop vehicle arrivals, volunteer engagement, school visits, book distribution, and interviews with representatives from GM, First Book, DPSCD Foundation, Detroit Public Schools Community District, and principals and students at participating schools.
This initiative supports literacy engagement, summer learning, and STEM enrichment by expanding student access to high-quality books and educational resources. General Motors and First Book share a strong commitment to helping students explore future-focused learning opportunities, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Literacy opens the door to every future pathway imaginable, and this initiative is about making sure our students have access to books that inspire imagination, curiosity, and continued learning beyond the classroom,” said Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins, President and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation.
“We are
proud to partner with General Motors and First Book on an investment of this scale, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to Detroit students, literacy, and educational opportunity.”
“This partnership reflects what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to students,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District. “By placing thousands of new books directly into the hands of our students, we are helping create more opportunities for them to engage with reading, strengthen literacy skills, and explore future learning pathways, including STEM-related interests and careers.”
“At General Motors, we believe investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to shape a stronger future,” said Kristen Puchek, vice president of Corporate Citizenship at General Motors. “We’re proud to partner with the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation and First Book to support Detroit’s students as part of GM’s broader commitment to advancing STEAM education and empowering the next generation of leaders.”
“An initiative of this scale is only possible when corporate, nonprofit, and public school leaders align with a shared vision for children,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book’s President & CEO.
“First Book is incredibly proud to collaborate with General Motors, DPSCD, and the DPSCD Foundation. Together, we are providing beautiful books and resources for students to dream big, explore the exciting opportunities available through STEM, and succeed inside and outside the classroom.”
Detroit Public Schools Community District is the sole school district selected for this year’s extraordinary effort.
Launched in 2003, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation is Michigan’s largest public school foundation and the official philanthropic arm of Detroit Public Schools Community District. The DPSCD Foundation is dedicated to innovating opportunities that empower DPSCD students to rise by investing in Detroit students, families, and educators, and providing programs and resources that prepare our city’s scholars for success in college, careers, and life.
Since its inception, the DPSCD Foundation has raised more than $40 million to create and enhance educational opportunities for DPSCD. Learn more at dpscdfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Education transforms lives. First Book is building a world where every child has access to a quality education. It works to remove barriers to education and level the playing field for kids in need. At the heart of its work are the 600,000+ members of the First Book Network, the largest online community of individual educators, professionals and volunteers dedicated to supporting children living in low-income communities across North America. This Network is the key to creating lasting change. Through its research arm, First Book Research & Insights, it conducts studies that aggregate the voices of the Network to identify challenges, needs, and solutions. To address their needs, it provides free and low-cost books, resources and access to leading experts through the First Book Marketplace, which uses aggregated buying power to support their work. Founded in Washington, D.C. in 1992 as a nonprofit social enterprise, First Book is dedicated to eliminating barriers to learning and inspiring young minds. Learn more at firstbook.org and visit the award-winning eCommerce website at fbmarketplace.org.
