Toyota Announces $1 Million Program for Los Angeles Youths

9 July 1999
Toyota Announces $1 Million Program for Los Angeles Youths
 Toyota Included in First Wave of Youth Opportunity Movement 'Founders' To Be
                          Announced By Clinton Today

    TORRANCE, Calif., July 8 -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
(TMS) today announced a commitment of up to $1 million dollars in funding for
the new Toyota Ready for Work Program (TRWP) in support of President Clinton's
Youth Opportunity Movement.  This program is designed to prepare local area
youth to enter and graduate from the Los Angeles Urban League Automotive
Training Center (ATC).
    The program will select and distribute grants to 20 Los Angeles area
non-profit organizations that have existing training programs for 18-22 year
olds.  The funding will be based on criteria including the successful
acceptance and ultimate graduation of qualified youths from the Los Angeles
Urban League Automotive Training Center.
    "Unlocking the talents of our young people is good public policy and it's
good business," Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman said.  "With commitments
from business like the one made by Toyota, we can deliver on America's promise
to the young people who've been left behind in our growing economy.  Toyota
pledged money to prepare young people for work and that's the spirit of the
Youth Opportunity Movement."
    The new program will further support the commitment TMS made in 1993 to
partner with the Los Angeles Urban League in establishing the Automotive
Training Center.  Unemployed and underemployed individuals receive hands-on
instruction at the ATC in automotive repair, as well as placement assistance
for entry-level jobs in the automotive service industry.  Since its opening in
1993, the ATC has graduated over 600 automotive technicians.
    "The ATC is proud to support the Department of Labor's youth employment
initiative," said Toyota Motor Sales President Yoshio Ishizaka.  "The Toyota
Ready for Work Program will enable additional young people access to local
automotive training and the tools to seek viable employment in the Los Angeles
area or anywhere they choose."
    Toyota's primary philanthropic focus is education.  Since 1991 Toyota has
contributed more than $109 million to U.S. philanthropic organizations -- with
nearly 60 percent directed to education.  In 1998, Toyota contributed more
than $8 million to educational programs.
    Organizations interested in receiving more information regarding the
Toyota Ready for Work Program can call 1(800) 331-4331.