Toyota gives grant to help early childhood academies

Automaker Toyota is helping Kentucky schools expand an early childhood learning program.

Toyota is giving $115,000 to open 10 more Born Learning programs in the commonwealth. The 10 elementary schools are Hiseville Elementary in Glasgow; Crabbe Elementary in Ashland; Burgin Elementary in Burgin; May Valley Elementary in Prestonsburg; Grandview Elementary in Bellevue; East Calloway Elementary in Murray; H.W. Wilkey Elementary in Leitchfield; Berea Elementary in Berea; Farley Elementary in Paducah; and Boston Elementary in New Haven.

The program is for pre-kindergarten students and their parents and is meant to prepare children to enter school.

Toyota spokesman Rick Hesterberg says the initial grant will be followed by more funds.

“So this year we'’re getting started with 10 Born Learning academies, but actually it’'s the first of a five year commitment. So we will add five new academies each year. And eventually, we'’ll probably have an investment of close to half a million dollars before we’'re done with it.”

Hesterberg says Toyota supports the program because the company sees value in improving education in Kentucky.