Toyota USA Foundation to Sponsor University of Michigan College of Engineering 2005 Summer Academy

January 21, 2005 -- Ann Arbor, MI -- The Toyota USA Foundation named The University of Michigan College of Engineering the recipient of a $150,000 grant to support the college's 2005 Summer Engineering Academy for junior high and high school students. A check presentation will be made later today that will include representatives from the College of Engineering and Toyota Technical Center, USA, Inc. (TTC).

The Toyota award will underwrite the major costs of a series of four structured summer math and science enrichment programs at the college that introduce 7th- 12th grade students to the disciplines, challenges and career opportunities in engineering.

"Toyota is committed to the communities in which we do business and education is an important part of this, which is why we are very pleased to partner with such a prestigious institution as the University of Michigan and its College of Engineering," said Yasuhiko "Yas" Ichihashi, president, Toyota Technical Center, USA, Inc. "The Toyota USA Foundation was particularly impressed with the program’s overall goal of making certain that underrepresented students have a chance to be exposed to the fields of science, technology and engineering."

"We are extremely grateful for the Toyota USA Foundation's generous gift to our Summer Engineering Academy," said Derrick E. Scott, director of the college's Minority Engineering Program Office. "We have found our summer programs to be one of the most effective ways to engage and excite young students about engineering and science. Toyota's gift will go a long way towards ensuring that these kinds of programs continue."

The Summer Engineering Academy is administered by university professors, undergraduate and graduate students and consists of four grade-specific units that focus on academic enrichment in math, science and engineering; provide an orientation to the University Michigan environment and collegiate experience; and demonstrate the importance of early preparation for college. Each year the school recruits 90 students nationwide to take part in the academy.

Joining the University of Michigan in receiving Foundation awards were the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA; Keep America Beautiful, Inc., Stamford, CT; and Earth's Birthday Project, Santa Fe, NM. The four recipients received awards totaling more than $650,000.

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.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, TTC is Toyota's North American Research and Development Center. TTC is engaged in engineering design, prototype building, vehicle evaluation and engineering, materials engineering, powertrain tuning and design, regulatory affairs (including EPA emissions certification) and technical research. TTC has developed the Camry, Solara, Avalon, and Sienna vehicles for the North American market.