Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV)
in association
with Youth For
Understanding USA, (YFU)
has awarded full
scholarships to Bethany
Smith-Harris, daughter of
Victor and Laquita Harris,
and Winfield High School
Bethany and Mary will participate in the 2007 Toyota/YFU Summer Exchange Program and spend approximately six weeks this summer in Germany, living with a host family and learning about the culture and language. Selection for participation in this program is based on candidates’ leadership skills, civic and extra curricular activities, academic achievement and an interest in international affairs.
Toyota has been a corporate sponsor of YFU exchange programs since 1975. During that time, more than 450 students have been selected to receive Toyota/YFU scholarships. "Toyota recognizes that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders," says John Myers, corporate administration manager at TMMWV. "This scholarship program is an effective way of contributing to international understanding among our future leaders. We are pleased that Bethany and Mary have received this scholarship. We know that both young ladies will benefit from their summer abroad in Germany."
YFU is a nonprofit, educational organization that is dedicated to preparing young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world through exchange programs for high school students. Since 1951, YFU offices in 50 countries around the world have exchanged approximately 200,000 students. In one year alone, approximately 4,500 students will participate in YFU programs worldwide.
Toyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and directly employs more than 38,000 in North America. Toyota produces 10 vehicles in North America, including Sequoia, Sienna and Tundra in Indiana and Camry, Avalon and Solara in Kentucky. By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build about 2 million vehicles and 1.44 million engines in North America.
For more information about YFU scholarships, exchange programs, hosting an international student or volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-TEENAGE (1-800-833-6243).
