Explore the New Manufacturing announced today the receipt of a $10,000 grant from Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia to support programming initiatives that will directly benefit students in the Kanawha and Mid-Ohio Regions, with a primary focus on Cabell, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, and Putnam counties. The funding will support interactive educational activities designed to generate student awareness and enthusiasm for careers in manufacturing, as well as the educational pathways leading to those opportunities.
“With the Mountaineer State’s growing economy, collaborations like these are essential to ensuring West Virginia’s students are empowered and connected to real-world careers,” said David Rosier, President of Toyota West Virginia. “We are proud to support Explore the New Manufacturing’s efforts to raise awareness among students about manufacturing careers that are rewarding, well-paid, and close to home. We hope other businesses will also engage in similar initiatives to help prepare our young people for the jobs of the future.”
The Toyota grant will enhance Explore’s middle and high school educational programming, helping students discover how manufacturing companies produce consumer products. Thanks to Toyota, Explore the New Manufacturing will expand engagement efforts in programs such as Explore Academies, Explore Workshops, the Explore Student Video Contest, the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, and Explore SCRAP programs. The grant will also support efforts to showcase student achievements at the Kanawha and Mid-Ohio Regional Awards Ceremony, as well as recognize regional recipients of the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards.
“The Explore Program is grateful for Toyota’s generous support,” said Executive Director Monica Cross. “Toyota West Virginia’s partnership extends beyond grant funding; their employees’ volunteer hours provide a firsthand illustration of what it means to pursue a manufacturing career. The company’s support is invaluable to our mission.” Cross oversees Explore the New Manufacturing’s efforts to inspire student interest in manufacturing careers and the training opportunities available in their local areas.
