Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia pledges $900,000 to the SAE Foundation, to help fund the foundation's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education program in Georgia between 2012 and 2014.

The SAE Foundation will use these funds over the next three years to provide services to the Troup County School System of SAE's K - 12 STEM Education Program, A World in Motion, according to a press release from SAE.

"This pledge to fund the AWIM program allows KMMG to uphold a philosophy we call the Kia Way, which says we will all work together to make today better than yesterday," says J. Randy Jackson, vice president of human resources and administration, KMMG. "SAE's proven reputation and the experience it has working with the automotive industry were key factors in forming this partnership."

AWIM is an award-winning program that brings science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life in the classroom. These programs help students to build a foundation for careers as engineers, scientists or technicians, to meet future workforce needs of companies like Kia Motors.

"By working together, Kia Motors and the SAE Foundation will address our national challenge to inspire young people and ignite their imaginations to regard math and science as potential career opportunities," says Matt Miller, director of the SAE Foundation. "KMMG now takes its place as a prominent and integral part of SAE's history as one of the largest corporate contributors since our foundation was formed more than 25 years ago."

KMMG is making one of its largest contributions to date with this project. The $900,000 pledge in services and materials over the next three years will be used for events, curriculum, training, student competitions, and support. KMMG will also establish a student/chaperone fund for participation in SAE International competitions.

"We could not be more pleased that Kia has chosen to make such a tremendous investment into these critical subject areas by providing services to our schools," says Dr. Cole Pugh, superintendent of Troup County Schools. "We thank Kia for recognizing the value of education and for being such a great friend to the Troup County School System."