Toyota funds AI Literacy Lab to teach 900 regional high school students about AI

# What happened Toyota Community Trust is supporting the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE) to deliver the Toyota AI Literacy Lab, a free AI education program for regional high school students. The program will run in 2027 and deliver in-school workshops to about 900 students across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

# Who it's for Lab is designed specifically for low‑SES (socioeconomic status) regional high schoolers. ASE positions the program to reach young people who have less access to AI and STEM opportunities because of their postcode.

# What the program aims to do ASE frames AI literacy as an essential life skill comparable to reading and writing. The program has three practical goals:

• Give students hands-on exposure to AI so they understand how it works and how to use it.
• Build students' confidence in applying AI tools and concepts.
• Improve retention in and completion of STEM subjects, and encourage further STEM study or work after school.

ASE CEO Jahin Tanvir is quoted: "We believe AI literacy is a life skill now, just like reading and writing." He adds that the Lab will give regional students practical exposure and confidence to use AI.

# Backing and motivations Toyota Community Trust director Sean Hanley stated STEM is the trust's focus and that supporting regional access to STEM subjects will benefit students and society. His comment in the story: "We believe boosting students' ability to access these subjects will benefit them and society. We are proud to support ASE delivering programs to students in the regions."

# Program scope and timing The program is scheduled to start in 2027 and will be delivered inside schools across three states: New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It is free for participating students and schools. The article does not specify exact curriculum details, workshop length, or which schools will be included.

# Why it matters for regional students The initiative targets a gap in access: regional and low-SES students typically have fewer local opportunities for AI and STEM education. ASE and Toyota present the Lab as a direct effort to reduce that gap by providing practical, school-based learning experiences that could influence subject choices and career pathways.

# Where to find more information ASE's website is listed as ase.edu.au/entrepreneurship for readers who want additional program details or updates.

# Quick context Other recent moves in Australian education referenced in related coverage include broader AI teaching programs and partnerships that supply teachers with classroom-ready AI resources, indicating a larger national push to introduce AI into K–12 learning.