Cheers rang out at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the unveiling in Indiana of a recent project that was made possible through a grant from Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative. The fanfare was reserved for the dedication of the new playground at Princeton Community Primary School for Pre-K and kindergartners in Princeton, Indiana.

The project was accomplished through Driving Possibilities, an initiative of Toyota USA Foundation with funding from Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS). The initiative helps to put students in the driver’s seat and sets them up with access to educational programs that are inclusive, future-focused, and responsive to workforce demands.

Investing in Future STEM Leaders
Driving Possibilities, a multi-year initiative for the Toyota Indiana community, supports the expansion of hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The initiative also focuses on the essential needs and services for students, teachers and families across the company’s operational communities nationwide.

Some of the program’s initial funds were distributed to North Gibson School Corporation in southern Indiana to provide access to quality Pre-K education, resources to support student mental health and multi-language learning, as well as STEM programs.

“Every day inside North Gibson Schools, we are working to prepare our students for their future,” says Dr. Eric Goggins, superintendent at North Gibson School Corporation. “That’s why we are thrilled for the opportunity to welcome the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative into our community.”

Laying the (Play) Groundwork
As the first completed project for Driving Possibilities Indiana, the interactive STEM-based playground in Princeton features a turf surface and contains tricycles, a stationary school bus, “bank” and “gas station” stops, climbing structures, sensory toys and a visual board to help nonverbal students communicate.

The road doesn’t end there — there’s more to come at the location. In addition to the turf space, there’s also a concrete play space underway with shade structures and tables for young students to enjoy.

The play spaces aim to be a place that ignites imaginations and encourages exploration and learning through play. The career readiness and community engagement initiative is paving the way and preparing youth for the careers of tomorrow.

“This is not just a playground. It is an outdoor education area that extends learning beyond the classroom.” says Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana. “This space will drive curiosity and innovation, provide endless opportunities to discover, and build a strong foundation for future success.”