Toyota invests more than $6 million in new STEM opportunities in Huntsville City Schools

Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $6.7 million to prepare Huntsville City Schools’ students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The collaboration is part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative and is a five-year phased roll-out of programming in select schools. Here’s what we know:

Toyota’s Driving Possibilities

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities — a $110 million national, career readiness and community engagement initiative, launched to prepare youth for future careers.

Driving Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education and builds on existing programs across the country. The long-term initiative’s aim is to close educational gaps for students through innovative, hands-on STEM programming while addressing the essential needs of students and families.

“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. With $2.9 million in the first year, and more to come in years ahead, we’re looking forward to the expansion of Driving Possibilities in the Huntsville area.”

Tellis Bethel, group vice president of social innovation, Toyota

The announcement by Toyota this week supports a new industrial tech program at the recently announced Huntsville City Schools Career Tech Center.

The program creates a direct pathway into high-demand manufacturing careers. Driving Possibilities is also funding new teacher coaches, training and mentorship at select schools in partnership with the New Teacher Center.

Providing STEM opportunities in Huntsville City Schools

This program is a unique approach that brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless possibilities for all students in the system. With efforts across the PreK-12 education continuum, the program is the largest and most comprehensive in Toyota’s history. 

“The Driving Possibilities framework provides a holistic approach to addressing gaps in education. Our mission is to collaborate with local schools, community partners and other businesses, to help students reach their full potential. The success of our students will determine the future of our community.”

Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama

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