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Toyota's Significant Community Investment in San Antonio

Toyota has a long-established presence in San Antonio, boasting over 20 years of truck and SUV assembly in the area. In a bold move to further enhance its community impact, the automaker has announced a commitment of up to $6.5 million in grants over the next five years for the East Central Independent School District (East Central ISD). This initiative, part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities program, aims to provide local students and educators with enhanced access to innovative tools and programs aimed at fostering essential skills, building confidence, and paving individualized paths to success.

The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, expressed gratitude for Toyota's enduring influence in driving economic growth and workforce development in the region. He stated, "These $6.5 million in grants for East Central ISD will help equip San Antonio students with the skills they need to secure well-paying jobs in high-demand sectors such as automotive manufacturing. Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Texas for generations to come."

In conjunction with this educational investment, Toyota's Texas operations are also growing, as the company prepares to open a new $531 million rear axle manufacturing plant scheduled to begin operations in June 2024. This plant will produce components for vehicles such as the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, further reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to the local economy. Susann Kazunas, president of Toyota Texas, noted, “The future of our company and other Texas businesses relies on a strong pipeline of skilled students ready to join the workforce.”

The Driving Possibilities initiative in San Antonio is a collaborative effort involving the Toyota USA Foundation, East Central ISD, the Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Institute for School and Community Partnerships, and the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. Selected schools within the East Central ISD will develop cutting-edge STEM programs and engage in experiential learning tailored to meet their needs. Educators will also receive professional development, mentoring, and resources for effective STEM instruction.

Family engagement is a critical component of this initiative. The local United Way will launch a new Family Resource Center at the Pecan Valley STEM Academy campus, designed to address basic necessities and increase family participation, thereby supporting students’ success in school.

The goal of Driving Possibilities is clear: Ana Meade, the vice president of Sustainable Development for Toyota, remarked, “We believe every student deserves access to opportunities and pathways toward high-growth careers, regardless of their background.” This initiative represents a robust effort to dismantle barriers and ensure that all students can participate in quality STEM jobs in the future.

Launched in 2022, Driving Possibilities is the largest social innovation effort in Toyota’s history, with more than $75 million allocated through multi-year grants to local and national non-profits, educational partners, and communities. Funded by the Toyota USA Foundation and supported by Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Financial Services, this collective vision is aimed at guiding students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

The Toyota USA Foundation specifically focuses on educational and community programs for preschool to 12th-grade students in the U.S., emphasizing STEM education. As part of the broader Toyota mission, the company has employed nearly 48,000 people across the United States and has directly contributed to designing, engineering, and assembling over 35 million vehicles in 11 plants.

In summary, Toyota’s $6.5 million investment into the East Central ISD marks a transformative step in elevating educational opportunities in San Antonio. With a firm belief in community empowerment through education, Toyota continues to pave the way for future generations to thrive in critical sectors of the economy. As the company evolves and expands, its commitment to supporting the local community remains unwavering, setting a precedent for corporate responsibility and sustainable development.