Toyota Indiana Donates $75,000 for EVSC’s Core Experiences

Through a $75,000 donation, paid over three years to the EVSC Foundation, Toyota Indiana has made it possible for more than 12,000 students in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to take part in core experiences that enrich their classroom education and make a lasting impact on their lives. The new “Toyota Indiana Presents” program will specifically fund current EVSC core experience programs, including Tales and Scales in Schools, the B.L.A.S.T. Leadership Conference and the corporation’s annual Honors Choral Festival.

“Core experiences are those experiences in life that students don’t forget,” said EVSC Superintendent David Smith. “They are at the heart of EVSC’s mission of Equity and Excellence for All Children as it allows all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, the opportunity to participate in the same activities and experiences as other students.”

The goal of the core experiences program is to provide opportunities to expand students’ knowledge in the areas of arts, civics, culture, the environment, finances & economics, personal health, technology, global awareness, and life skills. It serves as the bridge between what happens in the classroom and what happens in a student’s life outside school. They are aligned to EVSC’s standards and curriculum, but also provide for the development of 21st century learning skills like critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration and communication.

The three core experiences funded by this donation will allow students at multiple grade levels to learn about a variety of areas. Tales and Scales in the Schools brings the music-based storytelling group to all EVSC schools with special workshops for second graders. The program allows students to experience and learn about music, theatre, stories and creative movement. Providing support to teachers so they can incorporate the experience into lesson plans also is a pivotal part of the program. Toyota’s donation also will fund the B.L.A.S.T. Leadership Conference, an opportunity for high school students identified as leaders within their school communities to strengthen their leadership skills through workshops and other activities. The third core experience funded, the Honors Choral Festival, will allow 300 students to receive first-class instruction from renowned vocalists, bringing them together for learning and a community performance.

“We are excited about supporting the EVSC Core Experiences program,” said Susan Elkington, Toyota Indiana vice president of administration. “Knowing this donation helps develop the leaders of tomorrow is great news for the Tri-State.”

The support of EVSC’s Core Experiences program comes at a time when school funding is tight. EVSC Foundation receives constant requests from teachers and administrators who have discovered that the funding to implement a Core Experience is not within their budgets. Schools often host their own fundraisers to support Core Experiences within their schools. However, many Core Experiences remain unfunded. The financial support from Toyota will increase EVSC Foundation’s ability to support student programs and activities that are so vital to the success and growth of students.