#USA #Irvine #Workforce Development #hunger relief #Mazda Foundation

Mazda Foundation’s Commitment to Community Support

Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. is taking significant steps to address hunger relief, STEM education, and workforce development within underserved communities across the United States. Recently, the Board of Trustees announced considerable funding for seven programs, reflecting the foundation's ongoing commitment to enhancing lives in areas that require support the most.

With an impressive total of more than $510,000 allocated this year, Mazda Foundation aims to bolster its initiatives aimed at fighting food insecurity while expanding equitable access to education and job opportunities.

Ongoing Partnerships

Tamara Mlynarczyk, the public relations manager for Mazda North American Operations and president of the Mazda Foundation, expressed gratitude towards their successful partnerships developed over the last five years. She highlighted that these partnerships not only assist in addressing pressing issues but also allow Mazda employees to volunteer, sharing their creativity and expertise with future generations – a core value of the brand.

The partnerships of the Mazda Foundation have proven effective, serving increasing numbers of people in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. The grants will continue to focus on communities in need this fiscal year, particularly in Southern California, Huntsville, Alabama, and Baltimore, Maryland. Notably, 2025 heralds the launch of initiatives in Chicago, New York, and Houston, Texas.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Food security remains a pressing issue in many urban communities. For the 20th consecutive year, one of the funded programs is aimed at supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank in Irvine, California. This funding continuously helps provide nutritious food resources to families in need.

Educational Empowerment through STEM

Additionally, the Mazda Foundation is funding educational initiatives that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This includes financial backing for College Track L.A., a holistic educational and job counseling program based in Los Angeles, and for FUSE Studios – a resource granting STEM labs in nine schools across Southern California. Furthermore, 16 new programs will be launched in the greater Chicago area and Huntsville within the next two years. The foundation is particularly dedicated to assisting disadvantaged young adults pursuing high school and higher education.

Moreover, the grant will support underprivileged high school students in participating in robotics competitions through benefits provided by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation in Huntsville, AL, and aid in the AVID program at five schools in Brooklyn, New York, and Harris County, Texas.

Workforce Development Initiatives

Beyond educational support, the Mazda Foundation is also funding essential workforce development training programs. This includes the culinary training program with Bracken's Kitchen in Garden Grove, California, which provides vital skills for sustainable employment in the culinary industry. Additionally, funding is directed at the Full Circle automotive training program for ex-offenders, established by Vehicles for Change in Halethorpe, Maryland, showcasing the foundation's commitment to second chances for individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

Mazda Foundation’s Legacy of Giving

Since its inception in 1992, the Mazda Foundation has distributed over $16 million to various organizations dedicated to promoting children's welfare, educational scholarships, food banks, environmental programs, and disaster relief initiatives. To learn more about the Mazda Foundation and its impactful work, visit mazdafoundation.org.

With such investments and initiatives, the Mazda Foundation rekindles hope and paves the way for brighter futures, embodying the spirit of community support and sustainable development.