Toyota's Driving Possibilities Commits Up to
$11.1 Million to Local Schools and
Organizations to Prepare Youth for the Careers of Tomorrow
PRINCETON, Ind., Aug. 2, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Indiana
today celebrated the start of production of the first-ever Grand
Highlander, an all-new three row SUV. In 2021, Toyota announced an
$803 million investment in
Indiana to produce two all-new
SUV's. First up, the 2024 Grand Highlander, featuring the latest
technology, a spacious, adult-sized third row, and plenty of cargo
space for family adventures.
Today's announcement also included a five-year,
multimillion-dollar commitment to help create limitless
possibilities for Indiana schools.
The Toyota USA Foundation
announced Driving Possibilities grants of up to $11.1 million to prepare students for future
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Driving
Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education to ensure all students
have access to rewarding careers, including opportunities in the
auto industry. The initial funds will be distributed through
Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, North Gibson School
Corporation, Building Blocks and Youth First Inc. to provide access
to quality PreK education, resources to support student mental
health, multi-language learning, and hands-on STEM programs for
students and teachers.
"Toyota is always looking to the future, by introducing new
products like the Grand Highlander, and innovative community
initiatives like Driving Possibilities," said Toyota Indiana
president, Leah Curry. "Driving
Possibilities sets the foundation for powerful learning experiences
to prepare area students for future STEM careers."
"Today is another Toyota Terrific day for the state as they roll
out their first Grand Highlanders down the production line," said
Governor Eric J. Holcomb. "And not
only that—we also celebrate Toyota's continued contribution in
early learning programs, which will further help strengthen
investments we're making across the state and set the stage for
some of our youngest Hoosiers to pursue a future in STEM."
In 2022, the Toyota USA
Foundation announced Driving Possibilities, a $110 million national, career readiness and
community engagement initiative, launched to prepare youth for the
careers of tomorrow. It is a unique approach that brings together
educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create
limitless possibilities for all. With efforts across the PreK-12
education continuum, the program is the largest and most
comprehensive in Toyota's history. The initiative is funded by
Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota
Motor North America (TMNA), and Toyota Financial Services
(TFS).
"Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while
helping build sustainable programs in the communities where our
Toyota team members live and work," said Tellis Bethel, group vice president of social
innovation, Toyota. "It's exciting to see the expansion of Driving
Possibilities near our Toyota Indiana plant with up to $4.2 million in the first year and more in years
to come."
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 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing
plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture
automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more
electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota
currently offers 24 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. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About Toyota Financial Services
Toyota
Financial Services (TFS) is the brand for finance and related
products for Toyota in the United
States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through
Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS
also offers vehicle and payment protection products through Toyota
Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The company services Lexus dealers
and customers using the Lexus Financial Services brand.
As of March 31, 2022, TFS
employed approximately 3,700 team members nationwide, and had
assets totaling over $135 billion. It
is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services
offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.
About Toyota USA
Foundation
The Toyota USA Foundation is a charitable endowment
created to support education programs serving kindergarten through
12th-grade students and their teachers in the United States, with an emphasis on
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
To learn more about Toyota's $110
million dollar commitment to Driving Possibilities,
visit ToyotaEffect.com for the latest
information.
Media Contacts:
Toyota Indiana
Stacy
Carr
812-215-6381
Stacy.Carr@toyota.com
Toyota Driving Possibilities
Amanda Roark
Amanda.roark@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America