The Toyota USA Foundation has approved
grants totaling $1,532,650 to fund four education programs designed to enhance
the teaching of K-12 math and science in the United States.
Recipients of the awards include Northern Kentucky University, Northwestern
University School of Education and Social Policy, University of Rochester Medical
Center's Life Sciences Learning Center and The New Detroit Science Center.
"These institutions are truly committed to developing successful and innovative
programs," said Atsushi "Art" Niimi, president, Toyota USA Foundation.
"We are inspired by their ingenuity and commitment to enhancing pre-collegiate
education in local communities."
Northern Kentucky University will receive $1,000,000 over three years in support
of pre-college math and science education programs and high-tech laboratory
equipment. The Youth Scholars in Math and Science Program will serve to increase
the capabilities, awareness and interest of middle school students in mathematics
and science. In addition to activities throughout the school year, the program
will offer four-week summer day camps and workshops, where students will explore
careers, engage in problem investigation and participate in a variety of special
activities.
A grant of $259,000 will enable Northwestern University School of Education
and Social Policy to provide interactive and printed training materials for
teachers in the Looking at the Environment curriculum. This program is an inquiry-based
approach to science education, placing students in the role of environmental
scientists. It encourages students to investigate uses of resources through
a variety of research techniques, including computer tools for data analysis
and geographical information systems developed by Northwestern.
University of Rochester Medical Center's Life Sciences Learning Center will
receive $175,000 over two years to create a national model of life science education.
This initiative will provide public school students in the city of Rochester
with tailored science learning opportunities, both within their classrooms and
at the Center itself. Additionally, science educators will be trained to do
laboratory-based teaching.
Funding of $98,650 will support the Wind Mover Project at The New Detroit Science
Center, an interactive learning exhibit that explores the concepts of motion,
air, engineering and technology. Programs will be tailored for families, school
groups, and organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Participants
will engage in hands-on activities, including developing, building, testing
and racing vehicles.
Annually, the Toyota USA Foundation provides nearly $2 million in grants to
support innovative mathematics and science educational programs serving kindergarten
through 12th grade in the United States.
For more information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyota.com/foundation.
