Toyota Indiana Donates New Vehicle to UE for Driving Possibilities Initiative
Evansville, Ind. (10/28/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) has been gifted a new Toyota Sienna from Toyota Indiana, in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary.
The newly donated vehicle, built at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, will assist the Driving Possibilities initiative by supporting the Center for Innovation and Change and School of Education's Design and Innovation Training Studio in traveling to students participating in programs. The initiative aims to support the university's Driving Possibilities team in community outreach, school visits, and other official program functions, within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout the region.
In 2023, Toyota USA Foundation launched Driving Possibilities -- a multi-year national initiative -- in Indiana with the purpose of preparing the future workforce for high-demand careers in STEM, strengthen communities nationwide, and address barriers to learning. More than $13 million has been contributed to aid ongoing Driving Possibilities programs and services, including $2 million to UE in 2024.
UE's Center for Innovation and Change has coordinated the local Driving Possibilities initiative to serve more than 2,500 students across six schools in Gibson and Vanderburgh counties and collaborated with multiple program partners. Together, these education partners help connect students and educators with experiences in the industry and opportunities for professional development.
"This investment from Toyota Indiana is much more than a vehicle, it's an investment in the future workforce of Southwest Indiana," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Change. "Through Driving Possibilities, our team creates hands-on opportunities for young people to explore STEM careers and discover innovation in meaningful ways. This generous support once again shows that Toyota truly thinks in generations, and we are so grateful for their partnership."
Toyota Indiana has sponsored UE's Changemaker Challenge for High Schoolers since 2016, supported the 2019 Mobile Innovation Lab and supported the 2021 Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park.
In May 2026, as part of the company's continuing support, Toyota donated $50,000 to the University of Evansville for the purchase of a vehicle to continue supporting the Driving Possibilities initiative. The vehicle investment announced during Toyota Indiana's 30th anniversary celebration in Princeton was part of $330,000 in grants supporting local community initiatives and organizations.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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