ATLANTA (Aug. 22, 2024) – Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $8.6 million to prepare Fulton County Schools (FCS) students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The collaboration is part of the Driving Possibilities initiative and is a five-year phased rollout of programming in select schools.

“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,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president of social innovation, Toyota. “With nearly $2.3 million in the first year, and more to come in years ahead, we’re looking forward to the expansion of Driving Possibilities in the Fulton County area.”

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.

“Georgia is home to crucial Toyota Financial Services and Lexus operations, and we want to demonstrate how much we appreciate our local communities,” says Scott Cooke, Toyota Financial Services president and CEO. “We consider it a privilege to support Fulton County Schools educators who are providing young people with essential knowledge and skillsets in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Driving Possibilities in Georgia will focus on supporting three key areas in Fulton County Schools:

• Increasing the level of service at existing Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Centers. Located in two FCS high schools, Toyota’s support will expand community resources and services to also include PreK to eighth graders at identified schools.
• Integrating STEM learning with the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) curriculum to provide additional learning resources to students.
• Providing STEM-specific professional development for FCS educators, with support from Kennesaw State University.

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities, a national, career readiness and community engagement initiative, launched to prepare youth for the careers of tomorrow. It is a unique approach that brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With efforts across the PreK-12 education continuum, the program is the largest and most comprehensive in Toyota’s history. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).

Fulton County Schools is the seventh site to launch Driving Possibilities programming, which is based on more than 65 years of active support in Toyota communities across the U.S. and builds off the successful model in West Dallas.