LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Toyota is teaming up with three Kentucky higher education institutions to help "change the face of engineering." Toyota is investing $1.7 million to increase engineering opportunities for minority students.

The program will give full-tuition scholarships to female and minority students wanting to earn engineering degrees from either the University of Louisville or the University of Kentucky. Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) is also involved with students first getting a two-year associate degree before enrolling in an engineering program at UofL or UK. 

“This program will give more people a chance to build great careers in fields like engineering," said Susan Elkington, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. Elkington added, "Toyota is committed to providing resources, time and knowledge to help build stronger communities in which we operate. We’re thankful for great education partners that have the same mission.”

Beginning in the Fall of 2021, 35 students, over five years, will be selected to receive full-tuition scholarships. Toyota engineers will mentor the students and they will participate in a paid co-op opportunity with the company, letting the students earn $17 — $21 per hour.

The students will complete two or three co-op rotations letting the students get hands-on experience in several areas.

“There is critical shortage of women and minorities in the engineering workforce,” said Emmanuel Collins, dean of the UofL's J.B. Speed School of Engineering. “Toyota’s investment and partnership to help diversify our talent pipeline perfectly aligns with the university’s goals and we are grateful to be a part of this collaboration," added Collins.

Rudolph Buchheit, dean of UK College of Engineering echoed Collins.

“This is another example of Toyota seeing a need and stepping up to do something about it. It’s imperative to increase gender and ethnic diversity among our faculty, staff and students.”

More information about UofL's scholarships are available here.