4.11.2006 ET

(CSRwire) ANAHEIM, Calif. - Toyota TAPESTRY, the nation's largest science teacher grant program, recently awarded nearly $550,000 in grants to 76 K-12 U.S. teachers who submitted creative science project proposals. Fifty received up to $10,000 each and 26 received mini-grants of up to $2,500 each. Large grant winners accepted their awards on April 6 at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Convention in Anaheim. More than $7 million has been awarded to 826 teams of teachers throughout the program's 16-year history.

"NSTA is proud to collaborate with Toyota to support and fund innovative science education projects through the TAPESTRY program," said Dr. Michael Padilla, NSTA president. "We are dually committed to rewarding educators who are passionate about demonstrating creativity and excellence in their science teaching. We thank Toyota for making education a priority."

Toyota awards grants to innovative kindergarten through twelfth-grade teachers yearly. Judges, accomplished in various areas of science, select projects that stand out in creativity, risk-taking and originality in three areas: environmental science, physical science and science applications that promote literacy. This year's projects explore topics ranging from the science of weather forecasting to the alternative energy technologies needed to convert a gasoline powered car into a functional electric vehicle.

"We are proud to support educators who are working hard to bring quality science to our children," said Michael Rouse, Toyota's corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs. "We hope these grants will continue to inspire teachers and serve as a catalyst for lifetime science learning."

Toyota TAPESTRY is open to elementary, middle and high school science teachers in the United States and its territories, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Teachers can apply individually or in teams and applications are due in January.

For more information about Toyota TAPESTRY grants, visit http://www.nsta.org/programs/tapestry or call 1-800-807-9852.

In 2005, Toyota USA invested more than $40 million in philanthropic efforts. In addition to supporting education organizations such as NSTA, Toyota partners with the National Center for Family Literacy; funds study tours to Japan and the Galapagos Islands through the Toyota International Teacher Program; and distributes scholarships through Toyota Community Scholars, UNCF, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the U.S. Marine Corps, National FFA, and the American Indian College Fund. For more information about Toyota's community outreach efforts, visit www.toyota.com/community

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,427 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motorsports, and research and development.

About National Science Teachers Association
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

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