Gov. Ned Lamont announced a major donation Friday to Connecticut public schools.

He says Ray and Barbara Dalio, of Dalio Philanthropies, have pledged $100 million to Connecticut public schools.  Lamont says the state will match their donation and he plans to obtain another $100 million from other philanthropists and business leaders.

The money will help areas with high poverty and dropout rates, creating educational opportunities to keep kids in schools.

It will also be used to increase mentorships and help students become entrepreneurs.

Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, says the best investment is in the education of children.

“I was very lucky in my life to be able to live the American Dream, and what it means fundamentally is equal opportunity, and, most fundamentally, equal opportunity in education…” he said.

Dalio's donation is the largest known donation in Connecticut to date.