(WGHP) — Toyota is making a significant $1 million investment in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education for the Piedmontese Triad.

The investment will be split in two halves, with $500,000 going to Randolph County school communities and the remaining $500,000 to North Carolina Agricultural Technology State University.

The donation is intended to help strengthen the STEAM education program that supports career preparation in the Piedmont Triad.

“With 2,100 jobs in North Carolina, it is critical that we better prepare the workforce for the next generation. We are committed to contributing our time, and knowledge, and are grateful for our educational partners who share the same passion.”

Sean Saggs, President, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC).

In Randolph County, funds are used to help around 40 years worth of students by staying in school through a variety of programs and helping them achieve lifelong accomplishments.

Some of the things these programs can offer include weekend meals, academic guidance, financial literacy, and mentoring.

“It is difficult to adequately put into words the significance of this gift to the community of Randolph County schools. Now that we are able to serve more young people, we are launching a new program, Jobs For North Carolina Graduates, to provide professional instruction and experience to support improved graduation rates and student employability.”

Randolph County School Community Executive Director Paula Owens said:

For NC A&T, the funds will be used to create the Toyota STEAM Lab in A&T’s on-campus Education Department. This lab is used by K-12 students to provide A&T Elementary and Secondary Education majors with a place to experience teaching using equipment designed for K-12 students.

The lab is also used jointly by students of all majors at A&T and Aggie Academy’s elementary and high school students.

“We appreciate that our friends at Toyota understand that the key to meeting the challenges of the STEAM workforce of the future is to invest in a wealth of STEAM educational opportunities for today’s students. Today’s announcement is great news for students and faculty at Aggie Academy Lab School, STEM Early College and A&T for Middle College, and it also demonstrates how Toyota has become a great corporate citizen in North Carolina. I am deeply grateful for their leadership.”

NC A&T Dean Harold L. Martin, Sr.

This is the latest investment Toyota made in Piedmont Triad in November 2021 as Toyota Battery Manufacturing of North Carolina. The plant, which he invested $2.5 billion in, is set to start production in 2025 and is expected to employ 2,100 people directly. .

Toyota has included the following statement in its press release for those seeking employment at the new facility.

“TBMNC is currently seeking motivated individuals to join the leadership team.

Visit www.toyota.com/careers. The positions of manufacturing and maintenance employees are

Announced in January 2023. “