Inspiring future STEM professionals

Toyota’s experts go back to schools to promote science, technology, engineering and maths.
11/08/2023
The age-old notion that ‘children are the future’ has never been more relevant than it is today, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. To that end, we at Toyota recognize the significance of mentors in inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in STEM. 

As a young engineer at Toyota, I value the power of diversity in teams. For me, these school talks are the perfect opportunity to connect with the engineers of tomorrow and to motivate them to believe that anything is possible. It was inspiring to see the students so engaged and curious about the different paths in STEM. This reaffirms how crucial it is to ignite that early interest in STEM, especially for those without role models at home. Let's make a difference together!
Andrea Lazcano, R&D Vehicle Performance Engineer

The future is STEM

The next generation’s involvement in STEM fields is integral to our society's advancement. That’s why here at Toyota, we have implemented a number of programs and initiatives aiming to provide opportunities for children to explore these domains. Toyota's 'Girls STEM the Future' and 'Innovation Camp' initiatives support young people, especially girls, to explore STEM fields and create practical solutions to sustainability issues. We collaborate with schools, foundations, and other organizations to further enable these opportunities.

Toyota goes back to school

As part of our efforts, in 2023, 15 Toyota Europe employees from our research and development and IT departments visited 12 schools, where they presented their careers paths and their life at Toyota to the children between 6-18 years old. Together with the kids, they presented interactive challenges for children to better understand what kind of tasks and activities their jobs involve. 

  • 15
    Role models from Toyota Motor Europe
  • 12
    Schools
  • 36
    Talks
  • 1012
    Students 
When I was in high school, I was told I would not make it in a science direction. Despite the negative advice from my teachers, I did it anyway and I proved everybody they were wrong. And now, I want to share my experience from my career journey and inspire the next generation to embrace the wonderful world of STEM. Visiting the school allowed me to emphasize the exponential growth and immense possibilities in the world of STEM and the automotive industry. What I took away from the experience was profoundly enriching. The sheer curiosity, the vivid dreams, the insightful questions - they all reaffirmed my belief that our future truly rests in the hands of our youth.
Tine Verdeyen, R&D Material Engineering Expert Technician

Continued commitment to promoting STEM education

And our commitment doesn’t end here. In the following years, we will continue to promote STEM education among the younger generation and bring even more role models to inspire the future leaders in STEM. Because for us, at Toyota, paying it forward embodies the innovation and excellence that STEM cultivates.

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