Toyota Contributes $2 Million to Detroit Science Center

New Toyota Theater to Support Engineering the Future Campaign for Science Education

Detroit, MI - As part of the company's commitment to education programs nationwide, Toyota announced a $2 million contribution to the Detroit Science Center for the construction of the Toyota Engineering Theater. The contribution will help support the Engineering the Future campaign, an initiative to transform the Detroit Science Center into America's premier engineering-focused museum. Steve St. Angelo, senior vice president of Toyota's manufacturing operations made the announcement on behalf of the company today at the Youth Engineering and Science Expo (YES!) in Detroit.

The Engineering the Future campaign will dramatically transform the content of the Detroit Science Center, with 300 unique and interactive exhibits within an enhanced Energy & Matter Gallery and new Transportation, Space and Medical Marvels galleries. As part of the campaign, the Toyota Engineering Theater will offer an immersive, multi-media experience for visitors. It will be the only venue in the state focused completely on engineering careers. With active seating and a rotating stage, the high-tech theater will feature live hosts interfacing with "virtual" 3D presenters to profile stories of real engineers from across the state. Visitors can watch the 30-minute shows to learn more about the work life of an engineer, the academic skills required for an engineering degree and how the different technologies in the galleries were developed. The Toyota Engineering Theater is scheduled to open in December 2008.

"As Michigan continues to move towards becoming a knowledge-based economy, the enhancements to the Detroit Science Center will help inspire young visitors to pursue careers in engineering and other science-based fields," said Kevin Prihod, president and CEO of the Detroit Science Center. "We're thrilled to have Toyota's support as we work towards making the Science Center a science museum of national stature."