Originally published on Toyota.com
For the twelfth consecutive year, Toyota Scholars Day honors 100 high school graduates across the nation with $1,000,000 in Toyota scholarships.
These college-bound high-school seniors will receive scholarship assistance ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to help cover postsecondary education costs. Scholarship recipients were selected based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and demonstrated dedication to community service. All recipients participate in youth development programs sponsored by Toyota with many of them belonging to local Boys & Girls Clubs of America locations.
“Through these scholarships, and the many others we support across the nation, we can help students reach their education and career goals,” said Al Smith, group vice president, Toyota Social Innovation. “This program represents an important piece of our overall commitment to creating opportunities for youth and investing in their development.”
Scholarship recipients from the North Texas area attended a celebration at Toyota’s North American headquarters where they met with Toyota mentors, attended collegiate information sessions, and toured the company’s new offices. Each student was surprised with a backpack full of school supplies and a new laptop.
Ervin Zelaya, Toyota Financial Services marketing analyst, is one of many successful recipients of the scholarship. “I attended Boys & Girls Club of East LA, which received support from Toyota,” noted Zelaya. “From there, I obtained a Toyota scholarship and then an internship which allowed me to gain valuable career skills. I’m really grateful for the opportunities that Toyota has provided.”
