Toyota Kentucky gave $1.4 million in educational and workforce grants this year
Toyota Kentucky has awarded $1.4 million in educational and workforce training grants this year to nonprofit organizations across Central Kentucky, according to a press release.
The grants support hands-on STEM education, mentoring, workforce training and career placement programs, the release adds. Toyota Kentucky says the programs help to equip students and job seekers with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to succeed.
“When students can see a future for themselves, incredible things happen,” said David Fernandes, Toyota Kentucky president. “We’ve seen young people progress from robotics competitions and mentoring programs to college classrooms and on to rewarding careers. That’s the kind of long-term impact these investments create.”
The automaker says that in celebration of its largest plant’s 40th anniversary, it has recognized four organizations with special $40,000 grants.
These organizations include:
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass helps empower young people through transformative mentoring relationships.
“AMEN House addresses food insecurity and helps students and families navigate times of need.
“Jubilee Jobs of Lexington connects people with meaningful employment through workforce training and career support.
“Kentucky FIRST Robotics prepares students for future careers through hands-on STEM and robotics experiences.”
The organizations help young people build confidence, support families through challenging times and connect Kentuckians with educational and career opportunities that strengthen the region’s workforce, the release states.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to see themselves as an innovator and leader,” said Kelli Gowan, KY FIRST Robotics executive director, in the release. “Toyota Kentucky’s support helps open doors for young people across Kentucky by giving them hands-on experiences that build the technical and teamwork skills that they need for the future.”
Toyota Kentucky has invested more than $166 million in the state since it was created in 1986, according to the release.
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Photo courtesy of Toyota Kentucky