Toyota Financial Services Expands Student Scholarship Program to $1 Million

Making Life Easier Scholarship Program Serves Youth from Boys & Girls Clubs Across the Country and Other Nonprofit Partners

TORRANCE, CA--Aug. 13, 2013: Toyota Financial Services (TFS) recognized today 100 high school students who overcame considerable hardships on their paths to college, presenting them with $1 million in scholarships. This is the first year in which TFS has expanded its Making Life Easier scholarship program to $1 million. The program provides scholarships to underserved students through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as well as other TFS nonprofit partners.

To celebrate their achievements, volunteer work and future success, more than 30 students and their families joined TFS associates at a Community Day event today in Torrance, Calif., featuring retired NBA player and philanthropist AC Green. Green is a Boys & Girls Clubs alumnus, and he spoke to the youth about his experiences, the importance of mentors and moral character. Among those in attendance was Helen Yuan, a past scholarship recipient and now TFS intern.

"My journey with Toyota Financial Services has definitely helped shape the person I am today," Yuan said. "TFS provided me the financial stability to make my college life easier, and now they are helping me establish the foundation for my career."

As one piece of TFS' national giving efforts, the Making Life Easier scholarships program allows economically disadvantaged youth to attend higher education by providing up to $20,000 for university, college, trade or vocational school tuition and fees.

Since 2007, TFS has provided $2.4 million in Making Life Easier scholarships to more than 500 deserving students. The scholarship program originated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Los Angeles and expanded to include Chandler Education Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year awardees, Boys & Girls Clubs participating in the TFS-sponsored college readiness initiative Diplomas to Degrees (d2D), and select nonprofit partners across the nation.

"Toyota Financial Services is committed to reaching more communities and more promising students through our national philanthropic efforts and partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America," said George Borst, president and CEO of Toyota Financial Services. "This year's program expansion will allow these students to further their education and build on their individual experiences, providing them with better opportunities and a brighter future."

"All of us at Boys & Girls Clubs of America appreciate Toyota's efforts to help prepare students for higher education and fill the financial gaps they face for tuition," said John Miller, national vice president of organizational and executive development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "These young people overcome immense challenges in pursuit of their education, and programs like Diplomas to Degrees and Making Life Easier give a needed boost for greater accomplishments and stronger communities."