• by Tanya Gazdik , March 3, 2022

Toyota Motor North America and Mazda North American Operations are each coming to the aid of communities nationwide.

Toyota is committing $110 million to education and career readiness initiatives as part of “Driving Possibilities,” its new community-focused program.

This initiative of the Toyota USA Foundation will be funded in part by Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Financial Services and will begin a phased rollout across the company’s operational communities nationwide.

The program will focus on PreK-12 education, building on Toyota’s existing programs across the country.

“We need to better prepare the workforce of the future by providing a broader education and getting the next generation ready for high-growth careers,” said Ted Ogawa, chief executive officer, TMNA, in a release. 

Beyond the classroom, the program includes community engagement efforts focused on critical needs like food insecurity, job training and mobility services. Toyota intends to partner with other businesses, local government, educators, and nonprofits to address education and community needs.

Mazda Foundation is also focusing on the food insecure and equitable access to education and workforce development, and is awarding funding for four new programs this year as it continues to build partnerships with organizations nationwide. The group awarded $495,000 to 11 organizations through its yearly grant-giving process.

With the addition of these programs, the Mazda Foundation’s partnerships now serve populations across several major metropolitan areas, with funding concentrated in Southern California and the greater Huntsville, Alabama area, says Tamara Mlynarczyk, manager of public affairs for Mazda North American Operations and president of the Mazda Foundation.

“Too many Americans lack access to education and resources that will help them secure employment in our rapidly evolving economy,” Mlynarczyk says in a release. 

This year’s awards seek to extend STEM education and workforce opportunities to underserved young adults in high school and beyond. 

As the corporate foundation of Mazda North American Operations, the Mazda Foundation has donated more than $14.8 million to children’s organizations, educational scholarships, food banks, environmental programs, and disaster relief efforts since 1992.