ANN ARBOR—The Toyota USA Foundation has awarded a $300,759 grant to the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History’s Family Reading and Science program. The three-year grant will fund the program through September 2013.

The program is a collaboration between the museum and 42 public libraries in five southeastern Michigan counties, including 15 in Detroit. The museum provides three science workshops at the libraries every year. Designed to introduce participants to science facts, concepts and vocabulary through fun-filled learning activities, the workshops foster constructive interaction between parents or caregivers and their children.

The 10-year-old program strives to increase family involvement in children’s science learning, promote scientific interest and understanding, and encourage lifelong learning behaviors. The program culminates each year with a theme-based “Discovery Day” at the museum. Past years’ themes have included astronomy and space exploration, weather and climate, and dinosaurs and other prehistoric life. Many participating libraries encourage families to read together and offer prizes for reading hours logged.

Amy Harris, museum director, said she is grateful for Toyota’s support of the program, which will benefit thousands of children in Jackson, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

“This program has a demonstrated impact in encouraging children’s science learning and in helping parents feel confident in supporting their children’s science explorations,” Harris said. “It’s terrific that with Toyota’s support, we will be able to serve 15 Detroit Public Libraries as well as many rural and small town communities in southeastern Michigan.”

For the past 20 years, the Toyota USA Foundation has funded educational programs benefiting K-12 students that focus on the areas of math and science. Currently, the foundation provides $2 million a year in support of various programs and partners with some of America’s leading organizations and institutions. Recent recipients include the American Museum of Natural History and Girls Inc.

“During these challenging economic times, we are pleased to support these excellent programs,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America. “These grants are an investment in the future of our teachers and young people, and will give them invaluable skills for the future.”