This spring, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) announced a $250,000 donation to Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) for STEM education. The Hyundai ST Math® Initiative will now benefit nearly 3,000 students from five schools in MPS including Brewbaker, Catoma, Morningview, Seth Johnson, and T.S. Morris Elementary.
HMA has partnered with MIND Research Institute since 2011 and has committed nearly $2 million to our ST Math program in the eight years since. This particular donation is very special for HMA though, because it will directly impact students in their own backyard.
Our goal here is to be a trusted partner in this community and other communities around the nation. This nation depends on a skilled labor force, and research shows that when a child has access to STEM education, we will have a stronger student, and it will contribute to a life-long love of learning.
- Zafar Brooks, HMA
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) has called the city of Montgomery home for nearly 15 years and employs over 3,000 members of the community. Hyundai also directly supports a host of suppliers, local businesses and organizations throughout the city. This latest donation not only continues HMA’s commitment to education, it also furthers its commitment to the community. So, what better way to kick off the program than by bringing the Montgomery community together?
On May 21, 2019, HMA executives invited city dignitaries, school officials and other special guests to celebrate with them. The day started at their HMMA plant. Guests, including our own Jim Sidick, Regional Vice President of Partnerships, were given a quick tour followed by a luncheon.
Safety goggles... check! ✔️ Jim Sidick, a Regional Vice President of Partnerships here at MIND, is ready for a fun day with our partner, @Hyundai. They're up to something great in Montgomery, AL! Stay tuned... #SocialImpact #CSR pic.twitter.com/w5QaPfQGaH
— MIND Research Institute (@MIND_Research) May 21, 2019
The group then headed over to the Catoma Elementary school library for a press conference and check presentation. Clare Weil, MPS School Board President, welcomed attendees. One of those attendees was Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center For Non-violent Social Change and youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Coming together: City, county and education leaders join @Hyundai executives and special guest @BerniceKing at Montgomery's Hyundai plant as the company commits $250,000 to five MPS schools for a STEM program. #MPSMovingForward pic.twitter.com/ykkIwFymm5
— MontgomeryCoSchools (@MPSAL) May 23, 2019
Zafar Brooks, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity & Inclusion at HMA, then presented a check to Dr. Ann Roy Moore, MPS Superintendent.
Zafar Brooks (right) of HMA presents a check for $250,000 to Montgomery Public Schools to further STEM education through ST Math.
One of the most impactful moments of the day came when Saige Williams, 4th grade student, addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of math education.
Saige Williams (left) and her friend hold MIND’s new MathMINDs Games: South of the Sahara game boxes, a gift from HMA to MPS.
Jim Sidick also had the opportunity to speak on behalf of MIND. He thanked Zafar and HMA for bringing ST Math to Montgomery.
It’s going to support teachers and their understanding and help children learn mathematics in a conceptual way.
- Jim Sidick, MIND
The event concluded with remarks by Todd Strange, Mayor of Montgomery; Elton Dean, Commissioner Chairman; Willie Durham, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman; and Robert Burns, Director of HR & Administration at HMMA.
The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce commends our industry partners at Hyundai Motor America for this generous gift to the Montgomery Public School system. Partnership means preparing to succeed together, and the ST Math Initiative will provide a tremendous value as Montgomery focuses on preparing a workforce for a higher wage, skilled work environment in a diverse, innovative, tech-driven economy.
- Willie Durham, City of Montgomery
With this latest donation, HMA is now bringing the power of ST Math to nearly 80 schools, over 23,000 students and 1,000 teachers throughout the nation.
Thank you, Hyundai Motor America, for your continued partnership to elevate student achievement and develop the next generation of innovators and problem solvers!
Check out additional coverage of the event:
Kelsey Skaggs was the Communications Manager at MIND Education. She enjoys highlighting the work of colleagues and partners who champion MIND's mission.
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