JACKSON, TN – Jackson-Madison County Schools and Toyota Tennessee revealed plans Tuesday for a major collaborative partnership to accelerate and improve career readiness for JMCSS students.
Todd Williams, Toyota Tennessee plant manager, announced a $100,000 grant to establish the Toyota Engineering, Manufacturing & Mechatronics (EM2) Institute at the Malesus STEM Innovation Center, which opens for middle school students in August.
“Toyota is more than a car company, we’re a mobility company,” said Todd Williams, Toyota Tennessee plant manager, “Education and career readiness is a top priority for our community and Toyota. Local communities that actively work together with industry to create opportunities for students will succeed.”
Further highlighting the historic nature of this partnership, Toyota Tennessee leaders will consult and work alongside JMCSS leaders to develop the institute’s layout, appearance, curriculum, and hiring of the institute’s instructor. The Toyota EM2 Institute will include middle school programming that prepares students for high school coursework in each of these specific areas.
“While we accept this investment with grateful hearts, we also accept this advanced partnership with resolute minds ready for the work ahead,” said Dr. Marlon King, Jackson-Madison County School superintendent, “The Toyota EM2 Innovation Institute at the Malesus STEM Innovation Center will accelerate the upward trajectory of public education in Jackson-Madison County.”
Open to rising 7th and 8th grade students, the Malesus STEM Innovation Center’s school-within-a-school model is unique in offering middle school students options for Career Technical Education (CTE) courses including direct instruction for science, technology, engineering, and math.
Elective courses, like those established in the Toyota EM2 Institute, help ensure Jackson and West Tennessee have a highly qualified workforce pool of JMCSS graduates.
“This partnership guarantees our middle school students will have access to high-tech curriculum and technology,” added Dr. Teresa McSweeney, Chief Innovation Officer for JMCSS, “It also assures the district will have high-capacity high school scholars in our Career and Technical Education programs.”
One of 10 Toyota plants in the United States, Toyota Tennessee’s groundbreaking investment in the Malesus STEM Innovation Center and JMCSS continues the impact the Toyota engine blocks and transmission casings maker has made in Jackson since 2003.
“This moment serves as a milestone for our community as we witness a unique fusion of industry and education,” said Melissa Spurgeon, Chief of Staff, “We are continually encouraged by the partnerships within our community and the investments they make in our schools.”
(PHOTO: Todd Williams, plant manager, Toyota Tennessee, participates in a joint press conference with school district officials Tuesday, January 30 to announce a major partnership between Jackson-Madison County Schools and Toyota Tennessee.)
