Support Aims to Enhance STEM Programming,
Curriculum
PLANO,
Texas, Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
building blocks of future mobility start by equipping communities
with the resources they need for their own future. To do this,
schools must increasingly provide hands-on science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) education and students must have the
opportunity to gain industry knowledge.
In the spirit of improving the communities where we live and
work, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) announced today that it
is providing an additional $250,000
to Plano ISD to support science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) programming and curriculum.
Toyota previously provided financial support for STEM education
in its home community as it announced the relocation of its North
American headquarters to Plano in
2014. At that time, Toyota provided $1
million to the innovative Plano ISD Academy High School
campus.
"Each and every child living in our communities deserves nothing
less than full and equitable access to opportunities that can
result in successful, high-growth careers," said Chris Reynolds, executive vice president and
chief strategy officer, Toyota Motor North America. "Our commitment
to quality STEM education, especially in our hometown of
Plano, is essential to Toyota's
vision of Mobility for All."
Toyota's additional donation to Plano ISD will support robotics
programs and summer STEM programs, all focused on reaching students
who traditionally have not had access to these programs. The funds
will also support the development of industry-informed curriculum
for cybersecurity and engineering. These will help to lay the
foundation for new courses and programs to support the recently
announced Career and Technical Education Center, projected to open
in Fall 2026.
"We are grateful for our partnership with Toyota, which has
spanned more than a decade and continues to grow," said Plano ISD
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa
Williams. "This additional support creates real-world
experiences, particularly for students who might not otherwise
access these opportunities. By bringing their innovative thinking
into the walls of our classrooms, Toyota is empowering our students
to see themselves as future leaders and innovators. Their continued
support and investment demonstrate a real commitment to the
sustainability of our community, the strength of our future
workforce and most importantly, the potential of our Plano ISD
students."
Beyond financial contributions, Toyota team members also
volunteer their time to mentor students at Plano ISD Academy High
through a semester-long program to solve real-world problems with
the Toyota problem-solving method and engage them in hands-on
learning opportunities. Additionally, since 2017, Toyota has
supported 14 youth in the Plano
Mayor's Summer Internship Program.
Toyota has also donated in-kind time and resources through the
Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) to help Meals on
Wheels of Collin County prep and
deliver more meals to senior citizens. Over the last seven years,
Toyota team members have also donated more than $3 million through the corporate matching
donation program and volunteered more than 3,800 hours to nonprofit
organizations in Plano.
"We applaud Toyota for their generous contribution toward
supporting STEM Education for Plano ISD," said John B. Muns, mayor of Plano, Texas. "This will create excellent
educational and professional opportunities for our students and
enhance the skillset of our workforce in the vital areas of
science, technology, engineering, and math. Since announcing their
move to Plano 10 years ago, Toyota
has been an exceptional community partner, giving back to the
community they now call home. Thank you, Toyota!"
The continued relationship between industry, education and
government entities helps to strengthen communities and helps
create excitement about careers in STEM-related fields. Developing
leaders in and out of the classroom remains a focus of Toyota
through the continued commitment in the City of Plano and Plano ISD.
To learn more about Toyota's Social Innovation work in 15
communities across the U.S., visit toyotaeffect.com
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the
U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S.
who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of
more than 34 million cars and trucks. We operate 11 manufacturing
facilities in the U.S., including our new battery plant in
North Carolina set for start of
production in 2025, and the joint venture plant with Mazda in
Alabama. With more electrified
vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently
offers 30 electrified options.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience
and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing
facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based
lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more.
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota
USA Foundation has committed to
creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership
with, historically underserved communities near the company's U.S.
operating sites.
For more information about Toyota,
visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Media Contact:
Amanda Roark
amanda.roark@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America