The Toyota USA Foundation has announced grants totalling up to $8.6 million to support Fulton County Schools (FCS) in preparing students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This collaboration is part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative, a five-year phased program set to be rolled out in selected schools within the district.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of future STEM careers while helping establish sustainable programs in the communities where our Toyota team members live and work,” said Tellis Bethel, Group Vice President of Social Innovation at Toyota. “With nearly $2.3 million allocated for the first year and more funding to follow, we’re excited about the expansion of Driving Possibilities in the Fulton County area.”
Driving Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education and builds on existing programs nationwide. The initiative aims to close educational gaps by offering innovative, hands-on STEM programs while addressing the essential needs of students and their families.
“Georgia is home to key Toyota Financial Services and Lexus operations, and we want to show our appreciation to the local communities,” said Scott Cooke, President and CEO of Toyota Financial Services. “We are honored to support Fulton County Schools educators in providing young people with crucial knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.”
In Georgia, the Driving Possibilities initiative will focus on three key areas within Fulton County Schools:
– Expanding services at existing Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Centers. Located in two FCS high schools, Toyota’s support will broaden community resources and services to include PreK through eighth grade students in selected schools.
– Integrating STEM learning with the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) curriculum to provide additional learning resources to students.
– Offering STEM-specific professional development for FCS educators, with support from Kennesaw State University.
The Toyota USA Foundation first announced Driving Possibilities in 2022 as a national initiative aimed at career readiness and community engagement, designed to prepare youth for the jobs of the future. This unique approach brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless opportunities for all. Spanning the entire PreK-12 education continuum, it is the largest and most comprehensive program in Toyota’s history. The initiative is funded by the Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).
Fulton County Schools is the seventh site to launch the Driving Possibilities program, building on more than 65 years of Toyota’s active support in communities across the U.S. and following the successful model established in West Dallas.
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