MTM Employees Who Are Part of Mazda Toyota History in North Alabama

STEM Isn’t Spooky: MTM Hosts All Girls Auto Know® Event

On Halloween, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) welcomed a group of curious and energetic 8th-grade students for a day dedicated to exploring STEM in a fun and hands-on way.

The event, themed “STEM Isn’t Spooky,” was part of the All Girls Auto Know® program and was hosted in partnership with the Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF) and Madison City Schools. A group of 54 students stepped inside a real manufacturing environment to learn how science, technology, engineering, and math power the automotive industry.

Hands-On STEM Experiences

Throughout the day, students rotated through three themed activities designed to bring STEM concepts to life while highlighting how they are applied in manufacturing.

Haunted House 5S Challenge

Students learned the basics of workplace organization through a relay-style challenge. Teams raced to sort, clean, and sweep their workspace, demonstrating how the 5S methodology helps keep manufacturing environments efficient, organized, and safe.

Creepy Cauldrons: Science in Manufacturing

Led by MTM’s Paint team, this activity introduced students to the chemistry behind automotive manufacturing. Participants tested viscosity and titration, learning how precise measurements and scientific processes help ensure high-quality finishes on vehicles.

Frankenstein’s Factory Lean Manufacturing Assembly Line

Students experienced the teamwork required on a production line by building 3D-printed Mazda CX-50 models. They inspected each vehicle for quality defects and calculated the dollar value of the cars they “sold,” giving them a glimpse into how manufacturing and business work together.

Inspiring the Next Generation

All Girls Auto Know® is SAWF’s middle school outreach program designed to introduce young women to career opportunities in automotive and STEM fields. Each one-day event can host up to 300 middle school students, providing hands-on activities that showcase the wide range of careers available in the industry. For many students, the event offered their first look at how STEM concepts are applied in a real-world manufacturing setting. From chemistry and engineering to teamwork and problem-solving, the day showed that innovation can be both exciting and accessible.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

Events like All Girls Auto Know® are made possible through strong partnerships. MTM is proud to collaborate with Southern Automotive Women’s Forum and Madison City Schools to create opportunities that inspire curiosity and expand students’ understanding of STEM careers.