Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, has announced a $2.5 million gift from the Mielke Family Foundation to expand the university's current teacher education program to include elementary teacher education.

The university's teacher education program currently offers teacher certification in grades 5-12 in computer science, English, math, social studies, and theater arts, as well as K-12 certification in art, music, foreign language, and English as a Second Language. Beginning in the fall of 2015, new offerings in the renamed renamed Mielke Family Department of Education will include an apprenticeship-based program for future pre-K-6 teachers. Students pursuing their teacher certification in those grades will spend an entire academic year in a local host school under the guidance of an established teacher.

"Lawrence is honored to join the Mielke Family Foundation in this venture," said Lawrence University president Mark Burstein. "This extraordinary investment will create an innovative educational path for excellent elementary teachers, open new doors for Lawrence students, and underscore the Fox Cities' reputation as a family-friendly community where education is a shared priority. We are deeply thankful for the Mielke's continued support of Lawrence."