The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education model in Jackson-Madison County schools is expanding thanks to a donation from a local business stalwart.¶
Toyota Tennessee announced it is donating $100,000 to high schools in the district. The money will help build a new Toyota Engineering, Manufacturing, and Mechatronics (EM²) Institute STEM lab at Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School.¶
“The Toyota EM2 Institute gives students access to real-world skills that open doors to incredible careers right here in West Tennessee, and we see the value of expanding this opportunity to high school students,” Toyota Tennessee President Todd Williams said in a release.¶
An EM² Institute currently operates at the Malesus STEM Innovation Center in its own middle school classroom, where students like seventh-grader Nyla Sanchez use math and science skills to learn to create things, such as an electric car that the class prepared for a race.¶
“Learning in an immersive, hands-on environment, it’s helped me become a better student,” said Sanchez said in a Toyota release. “We work with so much interesting stuff, but we’re still meeting the necessary standards of science and math.”¶
What Will Be Offered¶
In the high school STEM lab, students will be able to study subjects such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, mechatronics, industrial maintenance and more. Students will also have access to mentors who will give them the guidance necessary to continue developing their skills.¶
“The expansion of the Toyota EM2 Institute to JCM Early College High reflects a shared vision for innovation, workforce development, and long-term community growth,” Jackson-Madison County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said. “Today’s announcement is further proof of a unified community standing behind its schools. Toyota is more than a global brand — it is a corporate neighbor invested in the future of Jackson-Madison County.”¶
High school enrollment for the program is open now, and classes will start this fall.¶
