Toyota Investing $1.7 Million to help Diversify Engineering Workforce

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyota announced a $1.7 million investment aimed at increasing opportunities for underrepresented students in engineering fields in Kentucky. The initiative will provide full-tuition scholarships to 35 students over five years, targeting female and minority candidates. It involves partnerships with the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Bluegrass Community & Technical College, offering mentorship and paid co-op opportunities at Toyota. This program aims to improve diversity in the engineering workforce and align with educational goals in the region.

Positive

• Investment of $1.7 million to enhance diversity in engineering.
• Full-tuition scholarships for 35 students over five years.
• Partnership with three educational institutions improves community engagement.
• Paid co-op opportunities provide real-world experience and mentorship.

Negative

• None.

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

FAQ

What is Toyota's recent investment in Kentucky?

Toyota announced a $1.7 million investment to increase opportunities for underrepresented students in engineering.

How many students will receive scholarships from Toyota's program?

35 students will receive full-tuition scholarships over five years.

What are the partnering institutions in Toyota's engineering program?

The partnering institutions are the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Bluegrass Community & Technical College.

When does the Toyota scholarship program start?

The scholarship program begins in Fall 2021.

What co-op opportunities does Toyota offer to scholarship recipients?

Scholarship recipients will participate in paid co-op opportunities earning between $17 and $21 per hour.