Funds to Support STEM, Family Engagement Programs in East Central ISD
SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Building on a legacy of more than 20 years of truck and SUV assembly in San Antonio, Toyota is further expanding its impact in the community with a new major investment in the city’s educational readiness.
As part of the Driving Possibilities initiative, Toyota USA Foundation is providing grants of up to $6.5 million over five years in East Central Independent School District (East Central ISD). The program will give students and teachers access to innovative tools and programs designed to provide foundational skills, build confidence and forge an individualized path to success. Additional wraparound services will support basic needs that prepare students for learning. San Antonio is the ninth location to launch within this national program to promote workforce development, education and community engagement.
“For more than 20 years, Toyota has played a critical role in the booming Texas economy,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Part of what made Texas the eighth-largest economy in the world is our growing and skilled workforce. This $6.5 million in grants to East Central ISD will help equip students in San Antonio with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs in high-demand industries like auto manufacturing. I thank Toyota for their ongoing partnership and investment in the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in Texas. Working together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Texas that will endure for generations.”
As Toyota commemorates this STEM education investment in San Antonio, Toyota Texas continues to celebrate its expansion with the addition of the $531 million rear axle plant announced in June 2024. With this new asset, the plant will supply rear axles for the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia assembled onsite and the Toyota Tacoma assembled in Mexico. Facility construction and hiring are underway to prepare for the start of operations in 2026.
“Education and workforce development are longtime priorities for Toyota Texas,” said Susann Kazunas, president of Toyota Texas. “The future of our company and other companies across Texas depend on strong pipelines of students prepared to be the workforce of tomorrow. As Toyota grows in San Antonio—with the construction of our new rear axle plant, and now the implementation of Driving Possibilities in our community—we are proud of how that growth reflects our commitment to South Texas.”
Driving Possibilities in San Antonio is launching as a collaboration between Toyota USA Foundation, East Central ISD, Texas A&M University San Antonio’s Institute for School and Community Partnerships, and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. Select schools in East Central ISD will build out an innovative STEM program and participate in experiential learning. Teachers will benefit through professional development, mentorship, coaching and tools needed for confident STEM instruction. Families throughout the district will have access to a new Family Resource Center launched by United Way. Additional collaborators may be added in the coming years.
“East Central ISD is proud to partner with the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative to bring cutting-edge STEM education to Pecan Valley STEM Academy,” said Roland Toscano, superintendent of East Central ISD. “Toyota’s commitment to giving is truly remarkable, lifting up students and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Together, we are customizing learning experiences that challenge every student to grow academically and personally, helping to inspire their success in the classroom and beyond.”
United Way joined the initiative as a wraparound services provider with the Family Resource Center and Dual Generation initiative. The new Family Resource Center located on Pecan Valley STEM Academy’s campus will meet basic needs and increase family engagement to help support all East Central ISD students learn and thrive at school. The addition of the Dual Generation initiative will provide families in the district with workforce training, education programs and high-quality childcare to support their student’s academic success.
“We believe all students deserve access to opportunities and a pathway to high-growth careers, no matter their background,” said Ana Meade, vice president of sustainable development at Toyota. “Through Driving Possibilities, we aim to create limitless possibilities for all in our work with communities to address barriers so that everyone can participate in the quality STEM jobs of the future.”
Driving Possibilities
In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative was launched a unique way to bring together educators, local and national nonprofits, industry and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With more than 65 years of active community support across the U.S., efforts span the PreK-12 education continuum, with a foundation in the model developed in the West Dallas area. This is the largest and most comprehensive social innovation effort in Toyota’s history.
To date, more than $75 million has been announced through multi-year grants with local and national nonprofits, education partners and the communities where Toyota team members live and work. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation with additional funds provided by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).
Toyota USA Foundation
The Toyota USA Foundation is a private foundation supporting education and community programs serving kindergarten through 12th-grade students and their teachers in the United States, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 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 nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s 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 31 electrified options.
To help inspire the next generation for careers in advanced manufacturing, Toyota launched its in-person tour booking platform and virtual tour experience at www.TourToyota.com allowing guests to schedule a live tour to see several of our U.S. manufacturing facilities in action or visit all plants virtually from anywhere around the globe.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Media Contacts:
Melinda Higgins Louden
210.748.6103
melinda.louden@toyota.com
Amanda Roark
amanda.roark@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America
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