An almost six-million-dollar infusion of grant money will benefit Science, technology, engineering, and math in ten central Kentucky schools.
Toyota USA Foundation is supplying grants totaling up to $5.7 million to prepare students in Fayette and Scott Counties for future STEM careers. The grants will enhance translation efforts and address transportation barriers while also establishing business and industry liaisons at each school. Fayette County Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said this can benefit more than just students.
“So to have the opportunity to not only partner with our schools and their classrooms but also after school programs and other programs that provide opportunities for not only the students themselves, but the entire families to be involved,” said Liggins.
Scott County Schools Superintendent Bill Parker said using pieces of equipment for translation proves to be less costly than hiring more translators. Parker said funds are already being budgeted to cover costs.
The “Driving Possibilities” program focuses on P-through-12 education in helping students access rewarding careers including those in the auto industry. Kim Sweazy heads up the DP program at Toyota. She said the idea is to “go deep, not necessarily wide.”
“We want to make a true difference in an area that really needs it. And then hopefully other communities will be able to expand this with the help of other corporate partners,” said Sweazy.
Much of the focus will be on elementary schools. That will include translation services and easing transportation barriers. Funds will also assist the Ignite Institute in Northern Kentucky. It’s a regional career and technical education center.
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