Toyota USA Foundation to Address Digital Divide

Rhea-AI Summary

The Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of $3,357,000 to enhance internet access and provide laptops for students in 13 states, benefiting over 350,000 learners. This initiative aims to address educational barriers exacerbated by the pandemic, extending Toyota's COVID-19 relief efforts. The grants will fund WiFi access points, mobile WiFi devices, and software licenses. President Mike Goss emphasized the importance of equal access to education, highlighting the foundation's commitment to addressing significant challenges in education.

Positive

• Grants totaling $3,357,000 will support access to education for over 350,000 students.
• Funding will enhance internet access and provide essential technology, aiding virtual learning.

Negative

• None.

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As virtual learning continues, many students across the country are still in need of internet access and computers to complete school work. To help meet this need, the Toyota USA Foundation approved grants totaling $3,357,000 to support students in 13 states where the company has operations.

The grants will fund WiFi access points, mobile WiFi devices, laptop computers and software licenses, helping more than 350,000 students access virtual learning.

"All students deserve equal access to education," said Mike Goss, president, Toyota USA Foundation. "The foundation typically supports STEM, but the pandemic has exposed deeper issues that are a barrier to good education."

The grants build upon Toyota's ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts, prior foundation grants focused on e-learning programs and hunger, and the recent launch of an education hub that includes virtual field trips of the company's operations.  

Approved grants will benefit:

Alabama

• Huntsville City Schools
• Madison City Schools
• Madison County Schools

Arizona

• Tempe School District
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Arizona

California

• Boys & Clubs of Long Beach
• Long Beach Fairfield YMCA
• Pathways to Independence

Indiana

• East Gibson School Corporation
• Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
• North Gibson School Corporation
• South Gibson School Corporation

Iowa

• Cedar Rapids School District
• Marion School District

Kentucky

• Clark County Public Schools
• Fayette County Public Schools
• Harrison County Schools
• Scott County United Schools

Maryland

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore
• Baltimore City Schools

Michigan

• Washtenaw County School Districts and public libraries in Flint, Detroit and Saline

Missouri

• Lincoln County R-III School District

Mississippi

• South Tippah County School District
• Monroe County School District
• Itawamba County School District

Tennessee

• Jackson Madison County School System

Texas

• Dallas Independent School District
• Plano Independent School District
• Somerset Independent School District
• Uplift Education

West Virginia

• Putnam County Schools

About Toyota:

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold nearly 2.8 million cars and trucks (nearly 2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contact:

Victor Vanov
469-292-1318
victor.vanov@toyota.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-usa-foundation-to-address-digital-divide-301138773.html

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

FAQ

What are the details of the Toyota USA Foundation grants announced on September 28, 2020?

The grants total $3,357,000 to support internet access and provide laptops for over 350,000 students in 13 states.

Which states are benefiting from the Toyota USA Foundation grants?

The grants are allocated to 13 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

What is the purpose of the Toyota USA Foundation's grants?

The grants aim to address the digital divide and enhance access to virtual learning for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

How will the grants from Toyota USA Foundation be utilized?

The funds will be used for WiFi access points, mobile WiFi devices, laptop computers, and software licenses.

Who leads the Toyota USA Foundation?

The foundation is led by Mike Goss, who emphasized the importance of equal access to education for all students.