Toshiba America Inc., the manufacturers of electronics products and systems, has created a $10-million foundation to support improvements in secondary-school science education.
The Toshiba America Foundation, launched last month to commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary, is expected to fund research and development projects, primarily in the 30 states where the company has manufacturing plants, research facilities, and sales offices.
The firm’s largest operations are located in California, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and South Dakota.
Tadao Taguchi, chairman and chief executive officer of Toshiba America, called the new foundation a “forum for new ideas and research for our youth.”
“We want to help nurture students’ innovation and ingenuity in the sciences, as they are the future of America’s technological triumphs,” Mr. Taguchi said.
Although plans for the foundation are not yet complete, officials said it would focus its efforts on science programs in junior high schools, vocational schools, and high schools.
The philanthropy, the officials added, will support activities in three major areas: the development of new curricula, materials, and training facilities; educational symposia and seminars; and special projects for local schools, parent-teacher organizations, and teachers.
Projects that support community service will also be considered, the officials added.
Toshiba America is a holding company for five manufacturing companies, each of which contributed to the creation of the foundation. The companies include: Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc., Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc., Toshiba America Consumer Products Inc., and Toshiba International Corporation.
