6 March 2024
Toyota USA Foundation has recently unveiled its commitment to bolstering STEM education in Arizona, USA, by allocating grants totalling up to $9.3 million. The aim is to equip students with the necessary skills for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative, known as the Driving Possibilities program, is set to unfold over a five-year period, introducing tailored educational programming in selected schools.
Tellis Bethel, the group vice president of social innovation at Toyota shares, “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.” This collaborative effort underscores Toyota’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and addressing the evolving needs of communities.
Driving Possibilities focuses primarily on PreK-12 education and is designed to complement existing STEM programs nationwide. The program’s long-term vision is to bridge educational disparities by offering innovative, hands-on STEM experiences while also attending to the fundamental needs of students and families.
Central to the initiative is the establishment of a STEM curriculum pathway for elementary and middle school students. Early exposure to STEM education is recognised as pivotal in laying the groundwork for future academic success and cultivating a positive attitude towards STEM disciplines.
According to the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 41% of fourth and eighth-grade students, and a mere 21% of twelfth-grade students, demonstrated proficiency in mathematics. Similarly, in science, proficiency levels among students have shown a decline as they progress through the education system, with only 38% of fourth-grade students, 34% of eighth-grade students, and 22% of twelfth-grade students achieving proficiency in 2015.
The Driving Possibilities program was officially introduced in 2022 as a national initiative focused on career readiness and community engagement. By fostering partnerships between educators, local and national non-profits, and communities, the program aims to unlock boundless opportunities for all.
In addition to enhancing STEM education, the grants will also facilitate the establishment of community resource centres. These centres will serve as hubs for after-school programs and essential services aimed at supporting students and their families.
Toyota’s Driving Possibilities program highlights the paramount significance of STEM education for contemporary learners, particularly in light of the evolving demands of the workforce and available careers. By directing resources towards bolstering STEM curriculum and community support, the initiative addresses the pressing need to equip students with the skills necessary for success in STEM fields.
