Detroit's Focus: HOPE Gets $4.5M In Corporate Contributions

DETROIT (AP) - Automotive and technology firms including Ford, General Motors and Microsoft have pledged about $4.5 million to a Detroit organization's workforce development and educational programs.

Focus: HOPE announced Sunday that Microsoft Corp. is offering $2 million in software and cash, Magna International is giving $1 million and robotics equipment, and Lear Corp. and GM Foundation both pledged $500,000. Ford Motor Co. donated $360,000.

Officials say the contributions are a step toward securing $30 million in private funding during the next five years. The nonprofit also is getting a $3 million apprenticeship grant from the U.S. Labor Department.

Focus: HOPE was founded in 1968 after the 1967 riots widened the rift between Detroit's black and white residents.

The organization provides job training, food for mothers, children and senior citizens, and other programs.