Toyota Drives Community Impact in San Antonio with up to $6.5 Million in Grants 

Funds to Support STEM, Family Engagement Programs in East Central ISD

SAN ANTONIO (February 10, 2025) – Building on a legacy of more than 20 years of truck and SUV assembly in San Antonio, Toyota is further expanding its impact in the community with a new major investment in the city’s educational readiness.   

As part of the Driving Possibilities initiative, Toyota USA Foundation is providing grants of up to $6.5 million over five years in East Central Independent School District (East Central ISD). The program will give students and teachers access to innovative tools and programs designed to provide foundational skills, build confidence and forge an individualized path to success. Additional wraparound services will support basic needs that prepare students for learning. San Antonio is the ninth location to launch within this national program to promote workforce development, education and community engagement.

“For more than 20 years, Toyota has played a critical role in the booming Texas economy,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Part of what made Texas the eighth-largest economy in the world is our growing and skilled workforce. This $6.5 million in grants to East Central ISD will help equip students in San Antonio with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs in high-demand industries like auto manufacturing. I thank Toyota for their ongoing partnership and investment in the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in Texas. Working together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Texas that will endure for generations.”

As Toyota commemorates this STEM education investment in San Antonio, Toyota Texas continues to celebrate its expansion with the addition of the $531 million rear axle plant announced in June 2024. With this new asset, the plant will supply rear axles for the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia assembled onsite and the Toyota Tacoma assembled in Mexico. Facility construction and hiring are underway to prepare for the start of operations in 2026. 

“Education and workforce development are longtime priorities for Toyota Texas,” said Susann Kazunas, president of Toyota Texas. “The future of our company and other companies across Texas depend on strong pipelines of students prepared to be the workforce of tomorrow. As Toyota grows in San Antonio—with the construction of our new rear axle plant, and now the implementation of Driving Possibilities in our community—we are proud of how that growth reflects our commitment to South Texas.”

Driving Possibilities in San Antonio is launching as a collaboration between Toyota USA Foundation, East Central ISD, Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Institute for School and Community Partnerships, and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. Select schools in East Central ISD will build out an innovative STEM program and participate in experiential learning. Teachers will benefit through professional development, mentorship, coaching and tools needed for confident STEM instruction. Families throughout the district will have access to a new Family Resource Center launched by United Way. Additional collaborators may be added in the coming years. 

“East Central ISD is proud to partner with the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative to bring cutting-edge STEM education to Pecan Valley STEM Academy,” said Roland Toscano, superintendent of East Central ISD. “Toyota’s commitment to giving is truly remarkable, lifting up students and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Together, we are customizing learning experiences that challenge every student to grow academically and personally, helping to inspire their success in the classroom and beyond.”

United Way joined the initiative as a wraparound services provider with the Family Resource Center and Dual Generation initiative. The new Family Resource Center located on Pecan Valley STEM Academy’s campus will meet basic needs and increase family engagement to help support all East Central ISD students learn and thrive at school. The addition of the Dual Generation initiative will provide families in the district with workforce training, education programs and high-quality childcare to support their student’s academic success.

“We believe all students deserve access to opportunities and a pathway to high-growth careers, no matter their background,” said Ana Meade, vice president of sustainable development at Toyota. “Through Driving Possibilities, we aim to create limitless possibilities for all in our work with communities to address barriers so that everyone can participate in the quality STEM jobs of the future.”