Toyota’s Commitment to Youth Leadership and Environmental Stewardship: Supporting Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Program in 2025

In 2025, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) continued its impactful partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), supporting the Roots & Shoots (R&S) program through the Youth Leadership in Climate Action (YLCA) initiative. This collaboration embodies the shared vision of fostering environmental stewardship and climate action among young people, inspired by the enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, whose life’s work has profoundly shaped global conservation efforts.

Dr. Jane Goodall’s impact on wildlife conservation and environmental awareness is unparalleled. Her pioneering research studying wild chimpanzees revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior and deepened humanity’s connection to the natural world.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Goodall was a tireless advocate for environmental protection and social justice, inspiring millions worldwide to take action for a sustainable future. To extend her legacy, she founded Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots —a global youth-led initiative and program of the Jane Goodall Institute designed to cultivate a love of nature and inspire children and young adults to become active environmental stewards in their communities.

The Origin of the Roots & Shoots Program
The Roots & Shoots program reflects Dr. Goodall’s philosophy of “hope through action,” encouraging young people to lead hands-on projects that address local challenges for people, other animals, and the environment while fostering leadership, teamwork, and compassion. In 2025, with Toyota’s generous support, Roots & Shoots made significant strides across the United States, hosting six key events in Chicago, Gardena, Portland and Salem, Princeton, Saline, and San Antonio.

These events collectively inspired nearly 3,000 participants—including youth, educators, families, and community members—to deepen their connection with nature and take meaningful steps toward climate resilience. Each event was carefully designed to provide immersive learning experiences that combined education with practical conservation activities.

2025 Toyota and Roots & Shoots Event Summaries

In San Antonio, Texas, fifth graders from Hidden Cove Elementary School engaged in a day focused on pollinators and biodiversity. They learned about the ecological importance of bats and native plants, participated in “treasure hunts” to identify pollinators, and planted native Texas wildflowers to support local ecosystems.

In Portland and Salem, Oregon, Dr. Goodall herself participated in public lectures and youth events that highlighted intergenerational collaboration and community-driven environmental solutions.

Credit - Kevin Neri - Statesman Journal

In Princeton, Indiana, the importance of water quality was the central focus of the program held on World Water Monitoring Day, September 18, 2025. Students gained hands-on experience testing water quality and learned about what steps Toyota takes to sustainably use water.

In Saline, Michigan, activities focused on habitat restoration and ecosystem education for local elementary school students from Estabrook Elementary School. Through a series of interactive stations, students gained hands-on experience making seed bombs and understanding watersheds while learning about native habitats and pollinators.

Photo Credit: Stinson Photography

In Chicago, more than 600 youth, families, and community partners gathered to celebrate youth-led action and to hear Dr. Jane Goodall’s enduring message of hope.

Photo Credit: Eric Guzzetta

In Gardena, California, the half day program focused on installing a garden with native and edible plants at an elementary school across the street from Toyota’s Gardena office. Students learned about compost, plant-based eating, and clean technologies, such as Toyota’s hydrogen-powered vehicles developed nearby.

Toyota employees actively contributed by assisting with event logistics, sharing knowledge about sustainable practices, and mentoring youth participants. This hands-on involvement allowed Toyota to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability while fostering meaningful connections between its workforce and local communities.

The outcomes of these efforts were profound.

Over 1,500 youth participants developed critical skills in environmental conservation, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Educators reported significant growth in students’ compassionate traits—such as empathy and adaptability—and a strengthened sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Community involvement was robust, with more than 1,400 local members joining the events alongside TMNA employees who volunteered their time and expertise.

Beyond Funding for Long-term Connections
The collaboration between Toyota and the Jane Goodall Institute exemplifies how corporate support can amplify grassroots environmental education and action. The program’s success in 2025 underscores the power of collaboration in inspiring hope and driving change at the local level.

As Dr. Goodall often emphasized, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.” Through its continued support of Roots & Shoots, Toyota is helping ensure that this message resonates with future generations—encouraging them to become compassionate stewards who protect our planet for years to come.

In honoring Jane Goodall’s legacy, Toyota’s partnership with Roots & Shoots is more than a corporate initiative; it is a commitment to cultivating a global community of young environmental leaders dedicated to making a positive difference—one seed planted at a time.