Toyota USA Foundation invests $1.7 Million in Southwest Side Campus

Japanese automaker issued a grant of $1.7.Million to (SWISD) Southwest Independent School District. This grant will help students to prepare for high demand as well as for high growth occupations in the region.This grant SWISD is planned to equip classrooms with robotics,labs and other technology to improve already existing robotics and manufacturing classes at the district’s new Southwest Legacy High School in Van Ormy.
Facility is planned to open in August. Some parts are still under construction.This facility will offer students needed coursework in STEM fields.

“This grant helps build the workforce of the future, supporting teacher development needed to offer a rigorous curriculum in an environment that is relevant and engaging for students,” said Mike Goss, president, Toyota USA Foundation. “By providing hands-on experiences to develop the necessary set of skills, programs such as those offered by SWISD can help bridge the STEM skills gap and empower our youth.”

This will be the second Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) campus. Graduating on this CAST program for students will give opportunities like possess college credit, even possibility of industry certifications.

“The strong support modeled by Toyota to create enhanced partnership and pathways of success for students serves as a model for assisting the next generation of prepared and educated high school graduates,” said Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft. “While school systems are striving to become better for our students and communities, the reality is we have limited resources.”

He added, “When business steps forward we can create brighter and more engaging learning environments with student outcomes that benefit our youth, communities, state and the nation.”

This program SWISD will open in August 2018 first for surround districts and for the higher educational partners. For the start welcoming 150 students. By the end of 2022 total admission
at cast is expected to reach 600 students.

“Toyota’s steadfast commitment to education in San Antonio is exceptional,” said Ivy R. Taylor, mayor of San Antonio. “Its financial pledge will not only help improve our school system by offering more opportunities for students, but it will also support an emerging industry, develop future workers, and educate our next generation of leaders.”

CAST schools work often together with industry leaders, creating education focused careers. Campus Southwest Legacy will have focus on manufacturing careers.The location is on the Southside of San Antonio.Here are many manufacturers located, including Toyota and its suppliers.

“This is an impressive, bold and long overdue step forward to preparing our young people for careers of the future,” said Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Judge. “This is exactly why Bexar County worked so hard to recruit a global leader like Toyota. They provide real opportunity to the Southside and to all of San Antonio.”