From Educators to Ambassadors: Toyota Sends 50 U.S. Teachers to Study Abroad in Japan.

Business Editors/Education Writers

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004

Fifty high school teachers from across the country will travel to Japan in June for an all-expenses-paid trip made possible through the Toyota International Teacher Program (TITP). During two rigorous weeks through four cities, from Tokyo to Hiroshima, the teachers will learn about Japan's past and present, and explore key global issues.

Funded through an annual $650,000 grant from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. Inc., the program is the only one of its kind sponsored by a major U.S. corporation. The Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington, D.C., the nation's largest non-profit educational exchange organization, administers the program.

Now in its sixth year, TITP focuses on four themes -- history, education, environment, and technology -- and how these affect industry and society. Activities vary from visits to schools, shrines, conservation sites and factories to talks with well-known authors, historians, educators and business leaders.

"Teachers are in a unique position to impact communities. By exploring and understanding international issues, they build cultural bridges and prepare students for the global community in which we all live," said Jim Press, executive vice president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. "In a very compelling way, this program demonstrates that teachers make excellent ambassadors."

The 50 teachers, who teach a variety of subjects, are chosen from eight states where Toyota operates manufacturing, research and design facilities -- Alabama, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Texas and West Virginia. Teachers from Texas were invited to participate in the program for the first time this year, after Toyota announced the building of its newest manufacturing plant in San Antonio.

Teachers are selected based on their professional and leadership qualifications, as well as their plans to incorporate their experiences and research into their curriculum. To be eligible, teachers must be a U.S. citizen, employed full-time as a secondary classroom teacher (grades 9-12), and have a minimum of three years teaching experience.

"Understanding and appreciation of other societies helps build critical international skills. Who better than America's educators to share this knowledge with our youngest citizens?" said IIE President and CEO Dr. Allan E. Goodman.

The program takes place June 16 through July 3 and begins at TMS' headquarters in Torrance, where the teachers will meet for pre-departure orientation and an "Itterasshai" (Farewell) reception on June 17. Former participants are invited to the pre-departure program as panelists, sharing how their lesson plans and teaching have been impacted.

"The value of this program will last a lifetime," said Cathy LaLonde, 2003 participant and natural resources teacher at Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center, Bay City, Mich. "There are so many Americans who need to open their minds globally. Understanding other cultures helps us find a part of ourselves we didn't know was even there."

The Toyota International Teacher Program demonstrates the company's long-standing commitment to supporting education. In 2003, Toyota USA contributed $31 million to U.S. philanthropic programs, with nearly 50 percent supporting education. Besides donating to a wide range of educational organizations, Toyota has created its own innovative programs, including grants for science and math teachers, scholarships for students, technical training and family literacy programs.

Founded in 1957, TMS is the sales, marketing, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota and Lexus in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,415 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion dealers in 49 states.

About Toyota's Education Programs

In addition to sponsoring a number of nonprofit educational organizations, Toyota offers four major programs that support teachers with grants and students with scholarships: TAPESTRY for K-12 science teachers; TIME for K-12 math teachers; and Toyota Community Scholars, which provides 100 scholarships to high school seniors based on academics and community service. For more information, visit www.toyota.com/community or contact Rhonda Glasscock at [e-mail].

About the Institute of International Education

An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1919, the Institute is the world's most experienced global higher education and professional exchange organization. IIE designs and implements over 200 programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government and private sources. IIE also conducts policy research and provides advice and counseling on international educational opportunities abroad. The Institute of International Education has a network of 15 offices worldwide, over 800 college and university members, and more than 5,000 volunteers. Information about IIE can be obtained from IIE's Web site, www.iie.org, or by contacting Nancy Overholt at [e-mail].

About Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America

By 2006, Toyota will have the capacity to build 1.66 million cars and trucks and 1.29 million engines annually in North America. Toyota currently employs more than 36,000 people throughout North America. The company's direct investment is over $16.7 billion. Annual parts, materials, goods and services purchased from North American suppliers total another $20 billion. Toyota's North American-produced vehicles include the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and the Lexus RX 330.

Select photos will be made available at www.toyota.com/4teachers during the teachers' sojourn in Japan and additional photos will be available when the teachers return from Japan in July.

Working editors/reporters interested in covering the trip for a media story should contact Kara Knutson, 909-272-1888, ext. 26 with requests.