Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia commits $400,000 for new THINC Science Lab, Kia Innovation Center

(West Point, GA.) May 10, 2016 – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) announced today that it will be providing a contribution of $400,000 for the creation of a new “Power to Surprise” Science Lab in the “Kia Innovation Center” at the THINC College and Career Academy.

The funding will come in increments of $100,000 each over the next four years and allows for the transformation of the science lab near the technology and engineering classrooms and the relocation of math classes to this area. This part of THINC, which will be branded the “Kia Innovation Center,” will now host the full gamut of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses in one location. This center will allow students in different STEM classes to work together on collaborative projects in this state-of-the-art facility.

“The KMMG team is very pleased to have the opportunity to make a dramatic impact on the education of this area’s students through the ‘Power to Surprise’ Science Lab and the ‘Kia Innovation Center,” said KMMG’s Chief Administrative Officer Randy Jackson. “We believe it is important for businesses to invest in this tremendous school which is providing students with skills they need for tomorrow’s workplace.”

This contribution is part of KMMG’s more than $3.4 million commitment to THINC, which includes direct funding for all of the school’s programs, scholarships for THINC graduates to attend West Georgia Technical College and team member contributions through KMMG’s Matching Gift Program that includes a 50 percent match from KMMG.

“This new science lab is going to dramatically elevate the educational experience for our students and is another phenomenal investment from Kia into this area’s future workforce,” said THINC CEO Kathy Carlisle. “With this lab and our team of STEM instructors working together, we will see many more wonderful student success stories along with enhanced employment and college opportunities.”

Caption (Science Lab): Shown, KMMG Chief Administrative Officer Randy Jackson (second from right) presents the $400,000 contribution to THINC College and Career Academy.

About KMMG

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 360,000 units, KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the Sorento CUV and the Optima mid-size sedan, two of the brand’s top selling models in the U.S.