Toyota strengthened music education programs at several schools in Arizona and Georgia with a donation of $80,000, aiming to nurture students' creative and collaborative skills. The donation will benefit Chandler High School in Chandler, AZ, as well as Fulton County Schools' Benjamin Banneker High School and Tri-Cities High School in Atlanta, GA.
The funding is intended to sustain and enhance existing music programs, empowering students to explore their talents and fostering an environment that supports artistic growth.
“Music is not just an art form, it's a universal language that fosters creativity and collaboration,” said Steve Appelbaum, sponsorship senior manager at Toyota. “Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their talents, be it in music, sports or any academic pursuit, as it enriches their educational journey and prepares them for success in any career they choose.”
A student-centered event at Tri-Cities High School marked the announcement, featuring Latin Grammy-nominated artist Danny Ocean and Grammy-nominated composer Mali Wilson. The artists led an interactive session with students, engaging in conversations on how music plays a vital role in self-expression and collaboration. Local music producers also joined the session, demonstrating the role of collaboration in artistic and professional success.
Earlier this year, the Toyota USA Foundation reinforced its commitment to education through grants for STEM-focused programs in Fulton County, GA, Chandler, and Tempe, AZ. These initiatives are part of Toyota's Driving Possibilities program, which brings educators, nonprofits and industry partners together to provide students with access to high-growth career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
With this latest donation, Toyota extends its educational support into the arts.