Closing the STEM skills gap to create new possibilities for kids

Over the next decade, it’s projected that nearly 3.5 million manufacturing and STEM-related jobs will be available, yet 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to a skills gap, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Advocates are addressing systemic educational barriers that impact student success in order to fill this skills gap and expand opportunities for young people.

That’s the idea behind Driving Possibilities, a $110 million STEM career readiness and community engagement initiative of the Toyota USA Foundation. Its unique approach brings industry and academia together, while coordinating nonprofit services that address barriers and societal disparities—all to prepare youth for successful futures.

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