“DETROIT (AP) — A foundation named after late Detroit-area philanthropist Archie “Art” Van Elslander is donating $1.5 million to improve literacy at his former high school, officials said Wednesday.

The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation gift will be used to create the Beyond Basics Legacy Program at Denby on Detroit’s east side. The intensive one-on-one program allows students who require additional support in reading to improve foundational literacy skills while catching up to their grade levels.

“With the gift of literacy, anything is possible for these students,” said Beyond Basics board member David Van Elslander, who serves on the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation board. “We are thrilled to support Beyond Basics’ life-changing work at our father’s alma mater.”