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Toyota Expands United Way Born Learning Academy Sponsorship

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United Way Born Learning Academy

Toyota teamed with United Way and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear to announce that it will expand the reach of United Way Born Learning Academies to encompass 36 more schools throughout Kentucky. The learning academies, which focus primarily on helping prepare children for kindergarten and beyond, are funded in part by Kentucky’s Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge federal grant and an annual $1 million investment from Toyota’s manufacturing operations in Kentucky.

The addition of 36 schools brings the number of United Way Born Learning Academies in the state to 105. Of those, Toyota funds 41 and Race to the Top funds 50, with the rest funded by United Way of Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky.

“Race to the Top funds allow us to take another step toward helping every child in the Commonwealth enter kindergarten ready to succeed,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are proud to partner with United Way and Toyota as we engage families and communities to support and foster educational opportunities at the earliest level. Our effort at this stage will build a firm foundation as we prepare our students for success in school and the workforce.”

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear (left), shakes hands with Mike Price, vice president of administration, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear (left), shakes hands with Mike Price, vice president of administration, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.

The academies include six month workshops—all free of charge—that provide teachers and caregivers insight on how to substantially improve a young child’s opportunities for education.

“By offering these workshops before children enter school, we help them avoid playing catch-up from the start and provide a much greater chance of success throughout their school years,” said Kevin Middleton, president, United Way of Kentucky.