Hyundai and Toyota further support STEM education in Georgia, Alabama

Hyundai and Toyota made recent announcements of actions to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Hyundai shared that it has expanded its partnership with the H2GP and SAE foundations to provide renewable energy and engineering education in Bryan County, Georgia, according to a press release. The OEM also continued partnerships with the Georgia Historical Society and Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, donating funds to support education and housing affordability in Coastal Georgia.

“This is part of Hyundai’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope, which seeks to uplift families and communities by fostering education, health, safety, and sustainability,” the release states. “The area is home to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) — Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated electric vehicle mass-production plant.”

“With HMGMA operating nearby, we see it as our responsibility to give back to local organizations that are creating positive change,” said Brent Stubbs, HMGMA chief administrative officer, in the release. “Education and community well-being are important causes we support, so we are thrilled to continue our impactful partnerships with these organizations.”

The H2GP partnership will have 16 teams of students showcase the rapid growth and excitement surrounding renewable energy and engineering education in the region, building on the inaugural season. Two of Bryan County’s teams just returned from competing in the H2GP World Finals.

Last year, Hyundai partnered with SAE International to implement its AWIM program in the county school district’s fourth-grade classrooms.

The program is an inquiry-based learning experience that brings STEM concepts to life by combining practical, hands-on learning with mentorship from volunteers, the release says. It will continue this year for over 800 fourth graders who will participate in the Skimmer challenge.

During the challenge, students will design and build fan-propelled paper sailboats, focusing on core concepts such as air resistance, propulsion, surface area, the release says.

The curriculum will also make connections to HMGMA’s renewable energy resources, emission reduction technologies, and career paths, as well as general teamwork, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

Toyota funds STEM education in Alabama

Toyota has further invested in its Driving Possibilities STEM education initiative by awarding a grant of up to $4.2 million to Huntsville City Schools, according to a press release.

Driving Possibilities aims to expand access to quality STEM education and career pathways for students. It’s funded by Toyota USA Foundation, with additional funds provided by Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Financial Services.

The recent funding builds on a previous $6.7 million commitment, bringing Toyota’s total Driving Possibilities Huntsville investment to nearly $11 million.

“Toyota is assembling more than just engines in Huntsville–we’re investing in our future,” said Marc Perry, Toyota Alabama president, in the release. “Engaging students early nurtures curiosity and equips them with essential skills to support their academic journey and help prepare them for future success in STEM careers.”

New programming and student support offered through a collaboration with Huntsville City Schools and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation will include:

• • A STEM coordinator to serve the entire school district;
  • STEM coaches in six elementary and two middle schools;
  • Care Closets at 10 schools, with the Caring Link, a Madison County nonprofit, to provide teachers with quick access to essentials for students, such as new clothing, school supplies, and toiletries;
  • Funding of monthly training sessions by Second Mile, a local nonprofit, to increase parent engagement; and
  • Funding Greenpower USA cars for 10 schools to create manufacturing and project management experience for students.

“Huntsville City Schools is proud to continue the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative to help enhance STEM education across our district,” said Clarence Sutton, Huntsville City Schools superintendent, in the release. “Continuing our collaboration with Toyota, we remain committed, together, to creating customized learning experiences that foster academic achievement and personal growth, inspiring success both inside and outside the classroom.”

Toyota’s previous announcement in 2023 supported the creation of a new industrial tech program (INDTECH) at the recently opened Huntsville City Schools Center for Technology. The program creates a direct pathway into high-demand manufacturing careers for high school students.

“We believe every student should have access to opportunities and a clear path to high-growth careers, regardless of their background,” said Ana Meade, vice president of sustainable development at Toyota, in the release. “Through Driving Possibilities, we strive to remove barriers and create limitless possibilities, so communities can access quality STEM jobs in the future.”

Images

Featured image: Students participate in the inaugural Georgia Hydrogen Grand Prix as part of the Hyundai RC Program at Bryan County High School in Pembroke, Georgia, on March 1, 2025 (Photo/Hyundai)

Bryan County fourth graders build fan-propelled paper sailboats. (Photo/Hyundai)

Huntsville City Schools STEM students are pictured. (Photo/Toyota)