ANN ARBOR, MI - Grand Rapids business and community leaders Mike and Sue Jandernoa have made a $4.3 million gift to the University of Michigan, partnering in an effort to improve mathematics proficiency of Michigan schoolchildren.

Their $4.3 million gift will benefit the School of Education's TeachingWorks organization, establish a need-based scholarship at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and expand fellowships at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, continuing the Jandernoa's investment in the university and the state. Mike Jandernoa is a 1972 U-M graduate.

The bulk of the gift - $3 million - will be used to expand a TeachingWorks partnership in Grand Rapids focused on preparing and coaching teachers, particularly in mathematics education. TeachingWorks is a national organization based at the UM School of Education dedicated to raising the quality of entry-level teaching and the learning of students in beginning teachers' classrooms.

"Just at the time when the current workforce needs better math skills, our high school graduates have significantly less math understanding and proficiency. We must help these students in math now so they can have successful jobs in the future," said Mike Jandernoa, the former chairman of the board and CEO of Perrigo Co.

TeachingWorks is focused on advancing equity and social justice by opening opportunities for marginalized students to experience equitable instruction, build positive learning identities and find academic success.

For this project, TeachingWorks is collaborating with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, Kent Intermediate School District, and Grand Valley State University to jointly design a program of training, development, and support to improve mathematics teaching in grades three through eight. Following the first year of the planned five-year project, collaborators will expand partnerships to meet the needs that are determined in the initial stages of the work.

Another $1 million of the gift will establish the Mike and Sue Jandernoa Scholarship Fund in the Ross School of Business, where Mike received his bachelor of business administration. The scholarship will provide need-based support to undergraduate students.

This gift brings the Jandernoa's total giving to the Victors for Michigan campaign to $5.4 million, including previous gifts to TeachingWorks, scholarships and the Ross School of Business.

In addition to their recent gift, the Jandernoas have been donors and volunteers at Michigan, giving more than $10.4 million in support of athletics, financial aid and the Medical School.