Toyota launches new programme to encourage girls to consider a career in STEMToyota has launched its Girls STEM the Future programme, partnering with JA Europe and Inspiring Girls International, to inspire schoolgirls to explore careers in STEM areas through interaction with female role models from Toyota.
The brand says that it wants to increase the number of women in STEM related positions (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Data shows only 18% of women in Europe choose STEM career. Just 26% of schoolgirls are interested in STEM subjects. Studies have shown that this can almost double when children have a role model!
Toyota Motor Europe partners with JA Europe, the continent’s largest education programme provider, and Inspiring Girls International, dedicated to raising young girls’ aspirations in order to reach as many schoolgirls as possible.
JA Europe is the largest non-profit in Europe dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. JA Europe is a member of JA Worldwide® which for 100 years has delivered hands on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. JA creates pathways for employability, job creation and financial success. Last school year, the JA network in Europe reached almost 4 million young people across 40 countries with the support of nearly 100,000 business volunteers and over 140,000 teachers/educators.
Inspiring Girls International is a charity, founded by Miriam González Durántez, dedicated to raising the aspirations of young girls aged 11 to 15 around the world by connecting them with amazing female role models and introducing young women to the full variety of careers and options in life.
Ann Heylen, Role model at Toyota Motor Europe R&D:
“Through the Girls STEM the Future programme Toyota role models interact with schoolgirls in classroom sessions, on-site visits at our Research & Development centre, innovation camps and online video hub.”
Monica Perez Lobo, Head of Sustainability & ESG, Toyota Motor Europe
“Respect for people is key in our company’s philosophy. We aim to reflect the diversity of our society creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, heard and contributes. With this programme, we want to show young women the diverse and interesting opportunities that are available for them at Toyota.
Salvatore Nigro, CEO JA Europe
“At Junior Achievement we believe in the power of entrepreneurial mindsets, in tackling the biggest challenges of our times. This includes using digital innovation and entrepreneurship in order to make the mobility sector more inclusive and to attract more young girls into STEM education and careers. With Toyota Motor Europe we will empower the next generation of Europeans with the skills to embrace the tremendous opportunities ahead.”
Miriam González Durántez, Founder and Chair of Inspiring Girls International
“At Inspiring Girls, we believe passionately that every young woman should feel free to choose whatever she wants to do in life but we also know that there is dire under-representation of women in STEM fields. This partnership with Toyota Motor Europe is an exciting opportunity to introduce young women to a full variety of opportunities available to them in the automotive industry and inspire them to aim high!”
Toyota Ireland have said that they are proud to be involved in this important initiative and look forward to lending support in the near future.