NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Toyota USA Foundation today announced that an additional four education organizations will receive awards totaling $498,469. Awarded semiannually, the funds will be used by these organizations to help implement programs that enhance the teaching of science and mathematics for K-12 grade students across the country.
Award recipients are Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ; The Challenger Center for Space Education, Alexandria, VA; and Science Buddies (legal name: The Kenneth Lafferty Hess Family Charitable Foundation), Carmel, CA.
"We are committed to education and supporting programs that emphasize the value of math and science to K-12 students," said Patricia Pineda, Group Vice President, Corporate Communications and General Counsel, of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. "Each of these four organizations have demonstrated an innovative approach to teaching and we are delighted to play a small role in helping them in their quest to improve their math and science initiatives."
As part of the award, Wayne State University will receive $186,469 to expand and double the size of its successful Math Corps, by adding a second six-week summer camp. This will allow 200 junior and senior high school students from Detroit public and charter schools to participate in an intensive and rigorous mathematics study program developed and directed by faculty members.
A grant of $112,000 will allow Fairleigh Dickinson University's School of Computer Science and Engineering to implement the first year of an expanded, multi-year Technology Enrichment and Outreach Program (TEOP). This program is designed to strengthen and enhance the knowledge of upper-level high school students who are motivated and interested in science, engineering, mathematics and technology.
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education will use its $150,000 award to develop and distribute space education materials, written in direct relation to the National Science Standards. The materials will be disseminated through Challenger Learning Centers around the U.S. to assist 3rd - 8th grade teachers and students in underserved and underprivileged school communities.
An award of $50,000 will enable Science Buddies, www.sciencebuddies.org, to create new "How-To" online materials for 3rd - 8th grade students and their teachers involved in science projects and science fairs. The materials will be based on the National Science Standards and the organization's successful 9th - 12th grade Internet program.
The Toyota USA Foundation is a $40 million charitable endowment created to support innovative education programs serving kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States, with special emphasis in the areas of mathematics and science. For additional information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyota.com/foundation.