Mazda Toyota representatives presented a $5,000 grant to Madison County Schools to support a workforce-development program focused on soft skills.

At the board’s Sept. 5 work session, a Mazda Toyota representative said the company values programs that teach “how to call off when you’re sick,” leadership and other interpersonal skills that, in their view, complement the district’s technical career education. The representative said Mazda Toyota hopes the grant will support efforts that prepare students for the workplace beyond technical training.

Board members took a photograph with the presenters and thanked the company for the contribution. The district did not announce additional funding details or a formal acceptance vote during the presentation; administrators said they would handle any required approvals later.