GEORGETOWN, Ky., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the
world's largest automakers is teaming up with three institutions of
higher education in Kentucky to
help change the face of engineering. Today, Toyota announced a
$1.7 million investment to increase
opportunities for underrepresented students and assist them in
earning engineering degrees.
The program will provide full-tuition scholarships to female and
minority students, along with needed resources to earn an
engineering degree from either the University
of Kentucky (UK) or University of
Louisville (UofL). Bluegrass Community & Technical
College (BCTC) is also part of the collaboration with students
first acquiring a two-year associates degree before enrolling in an
engineering program in the commonwealth.
"Building a stronger Kentucky
will require deliberate and sustainable efforts to provide equal
access to quality education," said Susan
Elkington, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.
"This program will give more people a chance to build great careers
in fields like engineering. Toyota is committed to providing
resources, time and knowledge to help build stronger communities in
which we operate. We're thankful for great education partners that
have the same mission."
Beginning Fall 2021, 35 students over a five-year period will be
selected to receive full-tuition scholarships. The students will
also be mentored by Toyota engineers and participate in a paid
co-op opportunity with the company earning $17 - $21 per hour.
Additionally, students will complete two to three co-op rotations
that will provide critical hands-on experience in multiple areas of
the field.
"Toyota has been a long-time partner of UK since locating in
Kentucky nearly 35 years ago,"
said Rudolph Buchheit, UK College of
Engineering Dean. "This is another example of Toyota seeing a need
and stepping up to do something about it. It's imperative to
increase gender and ethnic diversity among our faculty, staff and
students."
Emmanuel Collins, dean of the
University of Louisville's J.B. Speed
School of Engineering also highlighted the program's focus on
increasing diversity and inclusion in engineering.
"There is critical shortage of women and minorities in the
engineering workforce," said Collins. "Toyota's investment and
partnership to help diversify our talent pipeline perfectly aligns
with the university's goals and we are grateful to be a part of
this collaboration."
Stephen Brennen, vice president
of production engineering at PEMC, agrees that strengthening the
industry's talent pipeline and staying ahead of customer demands
will require new ways of thinking. "Not only for the continued
growth and innovation of the field, but also to help Toyota move
forward as we work toward our mobility vision for the future."
BCTC's provost, Greg Feeney
echoed the others and added that "diversity creates rich and
productive workplaces and communities. We are pleased to join
Toyota and our university partners to create opportunities for
students."
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly
employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed
world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30
million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including
our joint venture in Alabama that
begins production in 2021.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an
immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S.
manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free
STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
Media
Websites:
ToyotaNewsroom.com
LexusNewsroom.com
Media Contacts:
Kim Ogle
256-746-5407
kim.ogle@toyota.com
Justin Posey
469-292-8839
justin.posey@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America