IIT Stuart Center for Strategic Competitiveness Launches Toyota Academy for Future Leaders in Science and Technology
IIT Today May 14, 2009

IIT Stuart School of Business Center for Strategic Competitiveness, in cooperation with the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation, announced the establishment of the Academy for Future Leaders in Science and Technology on Tuesday.

(from left) IIT Stuart Dean Harvey Kahalas, Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales USA Don Esmond, and IIT President John Anderson

During the summer of 2008, IIT received a $500,000, three-year grant from the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation to support the academy, which invites talented, but often underserved high school students, aged 16-18, from the Chicago metropolitan area, to attend a summer-long science and technology education and internship experience, focused environmental science and management, at the IIT campus.



Representatives from IIT, including President John Anderson, Stuart Dean Harvey Kahalas, Stuart Associate Dean and academy co-director Tom Anderson, co-director Marie Vanderford and Stuart Board of Overseers Chair Rosemarie Mitchell, discussed the academy along with Toyota Motor Sales, USA Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations Don Esmond, an IIT alumnus.



"It is a great honor for IIT Stuart to have received such a generous grant from the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation, which will enrich the education of our future leaders in the emerging field of environmental sciences and management," said IIT Stuart School of Business Dean Harvey Kahalas. "We look forward not only to the growth of the academy, but to the future expansion and replication of the program in other communities across the nation."



Students will attend the Academy for Future Leaders in Science and Technology from Monday, June 15, until Friday, August 14. During that time, they will participate in a rich curriculum of coursework, professional internships, individual mentoring and guest lectures related to environmental science and management. In its first year, the academy works to enhance the potential of students to learn about science and technology and help them advance through high school and into post-secondary education. In addition to building their science skills, the academy will prepare students to become environmental stewards and leaders involved in making important decisions that will help protect the environment for future generations.