Toyota Launchs Groundbreaking Parent University Initiative; Innovative new program takes Parenting 101 to the next level

CHICAGO--Oct. 2, 20042, 2004--Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) is partnering with a Chicago-based community organization, The Black Star Project, to send parents back to school. Toyota has committed $240,000 to launch the new three-year program, The Toyota Black Star Parent University, to help parents obtain skills and resources to build strong families.

Phillip Jackson, executive director of the Black Star Project, created the program to address a long-standing challenge-- parents who need additional support to build stronger families. The Toyota/Black Star Parent University designed for parents of Chicago Public School students will also be available to parents throughout Chicago. Classes, some of which will be available in Spanish, will be held throughout the city in schools, community centers, churches, and park districts. Local parenting experts, who will serve as "professors," will teach courses that range from educating children about resolving conflict to developing financial literacy. The three-year initiative will begin in Chicago with an expected national expansion.

"Parents and young people face many obstacles," said Jackson. "The Parent University will provide them with support and resources to help guide their families. It will open doors for parents who may not traditionally have access to these services, providing a strong foundation for developing children who honor themselves and their communities. "

Chicago Public Schools has been closely involved with the efforts made by the Black Star Project to improve student's education. "Parental and community involvement go hand in hand, contributing to better attendance and higher student achievement," said Arne Duncan, CPS chief executive officer. "The Toyota Black Star Parent University is a great opportunity for parents to get involved and help their children become better students."

Education is Toyota's primary philanthropic focus. In 2003, Toyota U.S.A. contributed $31 million to community-based organizations with more than half of its donations benefiting educational programs. Locally, Toyota has supported the Black Star Project's key education initiatives for more than four years.

"Education is crucial to the growth and development of the communities we serve," said Jim Colon, TMS vice president and general manager of Toyota's Chicago Region. "The Parent University is an excellent resource that will continue to pave the way for building healthier families and relationships. The Black Star Project has committed its resources to creating a better future for parents and their children, and Toyota is honored to be a part of this groundbreaking program."

For more information about the Toyota Black Star Parent University, please contact the Black Star Project at (312) 842-3527.

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