Latest News

GSSM Receives $200,000 Grant from the Toyota USA Foundation

July 25, 2008

The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) is pleased to announce a $200,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation. This gift will help to launch the School's new Portable Advanced Science Exploration (PASE) project.

PASE will provide advanced technology science equipment and training directly to teachers in schools throughout South Carolina beginning with the I-95 corridor. In addition to sharing mobile, high-technology lab equipment with schools that lack such resources, PASE also will train teachers to use this technology in their own classroom activities, corresponding to science and math curriculum standards.

Teachers then will be able to borrow this equipment to instruct their own students in advanced science lessons with engaging, challenging, and hands-on activities. The impact of PASE training will multiply year by year as each teacher reaches hundreds of students, boosting student skills and inspiring learners in these middle grades to pursue science and math studies and careers.



"The Toyota USA Foundation is proud to support the PASE program," said Patricia Pineda, Group Vice President, National Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation.  "Education has always been a priority for us, particularly math and science, which are increasingly becoming vital drivers of our economy. We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative, hands-on program that is reaching diverse communities and inspiring  the next generation of engineers."

PASE will serve approximately 80 teachers and 2,500 students in its first year, expanding to reach additional numbers as the program grows.

The Toyota USA Foundation grant will help to purchase computers, lab equipment, and supplies; employ staff; create promotional and support materials; and conduct training sessions.

Located in Hartsville, the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics is a public, residential high school for academically talented juniors and seniors.

The Toyota USA Foundation is a $100 million charitable endowment created to support education programs serving kindergarten through 12th grade students and their teachers in the United States, with an emphasis on mathematics, science and environmental science. For additional information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyota.com/foundation.

For more information on the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, please contact Jacqulyne Pouncey at the GSSM Foundation.