On March 23, Toyota Kentucky announced a $400,000 grant to support Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Engineering program, helping to advance the next generation of the workforce. The funding was announced during Toyota’s celebration of 40 years at its Georgetown plant, as part of new grant funding further solidifying the company’s commitment to career readiness and education.
This investment, combined with state matching funds through Kentucky’s Bucks for Brains initiative, brings the total support for EKU’s Engineering program to $800,000. It expands hands-on learning opportunities and enhances access to modern equipment for students in EKU’s manufacturing and industrial engineering concentrations, further strengthening the university’s role in preparing graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“Toyota’s investment in EKU’s Engineering program strengthens our ability to prepare students for high-demand careers right here in the Commonwealth,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Together, we are bolstering Kentucky’s economy and ensuring graduates are ready to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.”
Toyota’s Kentucky plant is the company’s largest manufacturing plant in the world. In commemoration of its anniversary milestone, the company announced a $1 billion investment across its Kentucky and Indiana operations, as well as $4 million in grant funding for the Driving Possibilities initiative to expand STEM learning and resources, in addition to the $400,000 investment to support engineering education at EKU.
As part of Toyota’s investment, EKU and Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) will offer an accelerated transfer pathway to expand access to engineering education and strengthen the talent pipeline in the region.
With the new pathway agreement, the associate degree curriculum for five of their adjacent programs will count seamlessly toward a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology Management. The partnership offers priority admission to BCTC students transferring to EKU’s four-year degree programs.
“At Toyota, manufacturing is really about people, empowering them, supporting their growth, and investing in their futures,” said Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky. “After 40 years in Central Kentucky, we are proud to continue investing in its people and its economic future. This partnership with EKU and BCTC expands opportunity for students and strengthens the workforce that keeps our region growing.”
EKU’s engineering degree, with concentrations in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering and engineering science and systems, equips graduates for roles in production supervision, product development, quality control, maintenance supervision, project management, production control and more.
“The investment from Toyota comes as EKU prepares to graduate its first cohort of engineering students in May,” said Dr. Nilesh Joshi, chair of the department of engineering and technology.
Interested in a degree from EKU?
Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.
Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.