Toyota doubles down on STEM with $4.2M to Huntsville schools
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Toyota's initial grant in 2023 helped supply equipment to outfit lab space. Photo: Derek Lacey/Axios
Toyota Alabama announced a $4.2 million grant to Huntsville Schools to fund access to STEM and other resources for elementary and middle school students.
Why it matters: The funding, from Toyota's Driving Possibilities initiative, is better equipping classrooms and preparing students to pursue careers that fit their interests.
- It follows a similar 2023 grant of $6.7 million, bringing the total from Toyota to nearly $11 million.
Zoom in: The grant and partnership with the school system, and Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation, will fund a STEM coordinator for the district and embed STEM coaches in six elementary and two middle schools.
- Care closets, with essentials including clothing, school supplies, toiletries and snacks, will be established at 10 schools through Caring Link.
- Monthly training sessions with nonprofit Second Mile will work to increase parent engagement.
- Ten schools will get funding for Greenpower USA cars to develop STEM skills and manufacturing and project management experience.
What they're saying: "The beautiful thing about this grant is that it's focused on students and teachers," HCS superintendent Clarence Sutton said. "The No. 1 resource for any student is a supported, passionate, qualified teacher and this grant covers both."
- Zac McWhorter, career technical education director and principal for the center for technology, said the initial grant helped support instructors, equipment and lab space.
- "We hope that more students continue to be involved in STEM programming in the elementary and middle schools, so then it's just a vertical alignment with our high school programs," he said.
Context: Toyota now employs around 2,400 employees in Huntsville, officials said Wednesday, up from around 1,600 four years ago.
- Marc Perry, Toyota Alabama president, said the programs will help prepare students to "work anywhere, because you just give them that opportunity."