Mazda Canada entered two long-term partnerships with organizations focused on youth education and empowerment this week.

The company is equally investing $420,000 over the course of three years to Indspire and Pathways to Education — both which are leaders in education focused on providing funding and support for youth from Indigenous and low-income communities across Canada.

But the commitment goes beyond monetary support. Mazda Canada employees will be engaging with both the organizations over the course of the partnership through volunteering, fundraising and mentoring.

“Our rich heritage has taught us that building a better world starts with building up those around us,” Mazda president and CEO David Klan said in a news release. “It’s why we are taking steps to empower the next generation of thinkers through investments in education, resources, and mentorship. By enriching lives and removing barriers to meaningful opportunities for more people, we’re contributing to a brighter future — not only within the automotive industry, but our broader economy and society.”

Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people by inspiring achievement, the press release said.

The organization’s programs serve the needs of students in kindergarten to grade 12 and into adulthood.

Mazda Canada’s support will go towards supporting youth in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), the automaker said.

“This partnership will significantly help to address the current underrepresentation of Indigenous students in STEAM fields of study,” said Mike DeGagne, who is president and CEO of Indspire. “We are proud to be working with Mazda Canada on this initiative which will not only enable First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students to pursue STEAM studies, but will also ensure that they are well-equipped to enter STEAM careers after graduation.”

Pathways to education works with low-income communities, ensuring children can graduate from high school and build a foundation for life.

Mazda Canada and Pathways to Education will work together to meet their mutual objective to build a social responsibility program that equips youth from low-income communities with lifelong skills.

“Now more than ever, young people living in low-income communities across the country are facing increased barriers to success,” said Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly, president and CEO of Pathways to Education. “This partnership with Mazda Canada underscores our shared commitment to empowering these students to become the next generation of leaders. Together, we’re building a future where every young person in Canada is equipped with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.”