When it comes to investing in the youth of today, many companies talk a good game but Toyota is proving itself to be one of the few to follow through and actually put their money where their mouth is.
The automobile giant recently teamed with Rainbow PUSH Excel to provide $75K scholarships to ten deserving engineering and business college students through the Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Fellows Scholarships.
“The scholarship recipients were selected from hundreds of applicants,” said Toyota exec Simon Nagata. “Toyota is proud to recognize and invest in the outstanding academic achievements of these 10 scholars. The commitment to community service and personal excellence of these future leaders is truly inspiring, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.”
To qualify for the scholarships, the winning students had to fulfill a number of qualifications including majoring in either STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or business academics and participate in community service. In addition to the scholarships, Toyota is offering the students the opportunity to work at one of their facilities across North America to gain valuable real-world experience, as well as be paired with mentors from Toyota management to help guide them through the next three years of college.
“We are extremely proud of these students and are passionate about lifting any burden or obstacle that may prevent these distinguished students from reaching their highest potential,” said Rev. Jackson. “Students who prove themselves capable and eager deserve every opportunity within reach to become all they set out to be in life. We thank Toyota for their generous support and for sharing in our vision to improve the academic lives of these students.”
The award-winning students are:
Jasmine Cooper/Industrial Engineering – University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Grace Fomani/Chemical Engineering – Tuskegee University
Elias Lee/Mechanical Engineering – Auburn University
Jared Mitchell/Applied Physics and Engineering – Morehouse College
Kerrington Munson/Business Finance – Morehouse College
Dalya Sanders/Business Management – Prairie View A&M University
Mekhi Seraile/Aerospace Mechanical Engineering – Xavier University
Raven Smith/Chemical Engineering – Virginia Commonwealth University
Tina Watson/Business Administration Management – Fisk University
