Toyota USA Foundation announced grants totaling up to $8.6 million to Fulton County Schools in Georgia. This five-year initiative, part of Toyota's Driving Possibilities program, seeks to equip students with essential skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.
The program, which will be rolled out in phases across select schools, is designed to address educational disparities and provide hands-on, innovative STEM programming. In its first year alone, nearly $2.3 million will be allocated, with more funding planned in subsequent years.
“Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while helping build 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 in the first year, and more to come in years ahead, we’re looking forward to the expansion of Driving Possibilities in the Fulton County area.”
Driving Possibilities in Georgia will concentrate on three primary areas within Fulton County Schools: expanding services at existing Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Centers to include younger students, integrating STEM learning into the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) curriculum, and providing STEM-specific professional development for educators with the support of Kennesaw State University.
“Georgia is home to crucial Toyota Financial Services and Lexus operations, and we want to demonstrate how much we appreciate our local communities,” said Scott Cooke, president and CEO of Toyota Financial Services. “We consider it a privilege to support Fulton County Schools educators who are providing young people with essential knowledge and skillsets in science, technology, engineering, and math.”
Launched in 2022, Driving Possibilities is Toyota’s most extensive national initiative, aiming to prepare youth for future careers through education and community engagement. Fulton County Schools is now the seventh site to implement this program, which builds on Toyota’s longstanding support of communities across the U.S. and follows the successful model established in West Dallas.
The initiative’s holistic approach combines the efforts of educators, local and national nonprofits, and community leaders, aiming to create limitless possibilities for all students in the PreK-12 education continuum.
