Social | Community
Activities related to education

Believing that education is essential for improving people’s quality of life and developing their professional skills, Bridgestone supports inclusive and accessible education in the local communities in which it operates. With a particular emphasis on primary education and technical and vocational training, Bridgestone applies its strengths in tire manufacturing and sales to offer a variety of training programs that foster the next generation of automotive maintenance professionals. In addition, Bridgestone is helping to improve the educational environment for young people who will lead the next generation and providing opportunities for learning from a business perspective.

In 2025, Bridgestone undertook 261 initiatives^*1 related to education in 18 countries and regions, including 250 initiatives with outside partners,^*2 involving 1,667 employee volunteers,^*3 reaching 29,913 people^*4 from local communities.

Counting of “initiatives” varies by country or region.
Counting of “partners” varies by country or region.
The number of volunteers is the total number, including estimates for some activities.
The number of people who directly benefited from the activities, which vary by country and region and only include those activities whose status has been confirmed.

Green IT Classroom (China)

In China, the Green IT Classroom initiative, in partnership with Zhonggu Charity, addresses critical challenges that rural schools face, including a lack of opportunities for computer literacy and the substantial waste generated from disposed computers, with 50% of them being recyclable. Bridgestone (China) Investment (BSCN) has implemented several solutions to overcome these challenges.

The initiative involves donating and recycling computers from BSCN and its partners, establishing IT classrooms in rural schools, and providing computer training for students in these communities. Bridgestone plays a vital role by creating collaborative opportunities for internal and external stakeholders to donate computers jointly. Bridgestone employees also engage in volunteer activities, including computer recycling, classroom setup, and training sessions, while providing financial support for the project.

Through this initiative, Bridgestone aims to enhance computer literacy in rural areas, reduce electronic waste, and foster a culture of sustainability and education among the youth.

From the school: “Bridgestone is a responsible company with love. The classroom created opportunities for students to learn more about the world through the internet.”

From a partner: “As a long-term partner of Bridgestone, Bekaert is committed to delivering first-class products and services. By joining hands with Bridgestone in this public-welfare initiative, we demonstrate our shared pursuit of driving positive social change and supporting the development of local communities.”

Output (2025)	1,006 computers donated, of which 456 were recycled, resulting in a 205.2 ton reduction in CO₂ Seven classrooms set up, benefitting more than 3,919 students and teachers 254 employees, 15 distributors, and 19 suppliers participated in the program
Impact (2025)	An impact assessment was conducted for 11 employees who participated in the initiative. After engaging in the social contribution activities, 100% of employees felt a greater sense of belonging both to Bridgestone and to the community. Additionally, 97.2% of employees perceived positive changes in their work-related skills, attitudes and behavior in life, as well as their overall well-being

Women empowerment, development, and technical driving training (India)

This project is aimed at supporting individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. An Indian government report shows that only 11% of women in India drive a vehicle, and the main livelihood of women residing in urban settlements is through manual work. These women earn only about Rs 3,000-4,000 (40-50 USD) per month through housekeeping work or other menial tasks. Having no other skills and education, they are unable to adopt other means of livelihood.

This initiative provides opportunities for non-conventional types of employment that involve driving as a profession. This initiative supports women’s efforts toward self-reliance, mainstreaming, justice, and equality. With the growing demand for female drivers, especially from female commuters, families with children, and the elderly, this initiative creates a greater sense of safety among customers, resulting in a stronger sense of trust and loyalty. A total of 434 women had been trained as of 2025 and placed in different transport-related organizations. The training consists of two modules:

Driving Training Module (90 Days):
Training starts with induction training where the basics of the project are explained, and participants are encouraged to complete the training. It also emphasizes the socio-economic impact of women getting into technical employment like driving.
Women Empowerment and Development Training, including:
a. Map reading skills, communication skills, and GPS tracking skills;
b. Skills of first aid, self-protection, and defense techniques;
c. Women-related laws, the Motor Vehicle Act and the Insurance Act; and
d. Women’s health and reproductive health.

Output (2025)	A total of 434 women had been trained and placed in different transport-related organizations
Impact (2025)	Social return on investment: For every Rs 1.0 funded, the women’s driving program generated Rs 9.11 95% of women desired to stay in the program 75% felt the program had enhanced their economic independence 87% felt the program was effective in empowering women

Hibarigaoka Gakuen Summer Camp (Japan)

Bridgestone partnered with Hibarigaoka Gakuen Junior and Senior High School and an outside partner to deliver the first ever three-party co-creation workshop, which formed the core of this year’s Summer Camp. Designed as a sustainability-focused initiative to address societal challenges together with the next generation, the program went beyond conventional educational activities.

Unlike previous years, students did not join simply as participants; instead, they were welcomed as equal business partners and engaged in a professional co-creation program alongside adults from both organizations. Through sustainability learning sessions, technical deep dives, and a hands-on ideation workshop, the students generated fresh and flexible ideas from their unique perspectives—offering valuable insights for members of both Bridgestone and the outside partner as well.

This initiative was supported by Bridgestone’s Open Innovation Hub (OIH), which aims to promote co-creation with various stakeholders to address social issues and explore new value that bridges technology and social needs. The Summer Camp served as one of OIH’s co‑creation activities, bringing together students, experts, and employees to collaboratively explore ideas that could contributeto a more sustainable society.

The three-day program was held at Bridgestone Innovation Park, engaging eight students and 19 Bridgestone employees who took part as facilitators and volunteers, with an additional four participants from the outside partner.

Output (2025)	Eight students took part in the three-day camp; 19 employees were involved as volunteers, with an additional four participants from the outside partner.
Impact (2025)	An impact assessment was conducted for the eight student participants: 100% of the students gained new knowledge and understanding of the multifaceted nature of sustainability issues and the diversity of possible solutions 100% reported that their ability to think and act from multiple perspectives while collaborating as a team to address challenges improved 87% felt that their communication skills improved through exchanging ideas with peers and working adults, synthesizing insights, and presenting their proposals An impact assessment was also conducted for 16 employees: 75% of employees felt a stronger sense of belonging to Bridgestone 87% felt a greater sense of belonging to the community 75% perceived positive changes in their work-related skills, attitudes and behavior in life, and overall well-being

Output
(2025)

Eight students took part in the three-day camp; 19 employees were involved as volunteers, with an additional four participants from the outside partner.

Impact
(2025)

An impact assessment was conducted for the eight student participants:

100% of the students gained new knowledge and understanding of the multifaceted nature of sustainability issues and the diversity of possible solutions
100% reported that their ability to think and act from multiple perspectives while collaborating as a team to address challenges improved
87% felt that their communication skills improved through exchanging ideas with peers and working adults, synthesizing insights, and presenting their proposals

An impact assessment was also conducted for 16 employees:

75% of employees felt a stronger sense of belonging to Bridgestone
87% felt a greater sense of belonging to the community
75% perceived positive changes in their work-related skills, attitudes and behavior in life, and overall well-being

Educational classes for elementary and junior high school students (Japan)

Bridgestone offers various educational classes to children and students attending elementary and junior high schools near its factories to deepen ties with the local community and contribute to the development of the next generation.

Classes for elementary school students
Bridgestone offers a field trip program for elementary school students to visit the Bridgestone Innovation Gallery. This facility that showcases Bridgestone provides an opportunity to learn about the company, tires and rubber, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), which are essential values for its corporate activities. It also shares insight into Bridgestone’s environmental initiatives, its challenge to develop lunar tires, and the seismic isolation rubber that protects people’s lives from earthquakes. The participation of employee volunteers in this program also raises employee awareness about social responsibility and contributes to the cultivation of human resources.

The Environment & Manufacturing Class held on-site at schools that originated in 2004, offers an opportunity for students to think about the relationship between environmental issues and business, aiming to foster awareness to bring about a sustainable society.

Classes for junior high school students
Bridgestone offers a Global Communication Class, a program held on-site at schools where employees of Bridgestone, a global company, draw on their experiences from around the world to convey the importance of communication with a diverse range of people. This program aims to build a foundation for cultivating the next generation of leaders with an international outlook. Bridgestone aims to foster the ability of students to take an active part in the global society of the future.

Bridgestone will contribute to cultivating the next generation through educational support for local children and students and further pursue efforts to realize a sustainable society.

Classes for elementary and junior high school students: 2025 activity highlights

Output (2025)	Field trip program: Held 10 times, 877 participants Environment & Manufacturing Class: Held 18 times, 1,214 participants Global Communication Class: Held 10 times, 809 participants
Impact (2025)	On-site classes: 94% of students who participated in the Environment & Manufacturing Class responded that their awareness of the environment had increased (assessment of 1,074 participants) 74% of students who participated in the Global Communication Class responded that they became interested in working with people from overseas (assessment of 797 participants)

Message from an employee

Hidenobu Mori
Director of Bridgestone Innovation Gallery

“We offer field trip programs for local elementary school students to learn about Bridgestone, tires, and DE&I. We are pleased that many children have gained a deeper understanding and interest in Bridgestone and tires. Although this is a modest activity, it resonates with the children. Nothing would make me happier than if they became interested in tires and rubber and thought, ’I want to work for Bridgestone in the future.’ We want to continue this activity as one way for Bridgestone to contribute to the community.”

Performances by the BRIDGESTONE Wind Symphony Orchestra KURUME (Japan)

The BRIDGESTONE Wind Symphony Orchestra KURUME was founded in 1955 as part of Bridgestone’s efforts to contribute to the Kurume region. It was founded with the local citizens there to enhance the local music culture and promote cultural activities for employees. Orchestra members are employees engaged in tire manufacturing at the Kurume and Tosu plants.

To deliver the excitement and joy that music brings to many people, the orchestra holds concerts at Bridgestone plant locations and visits facilities and schools to perform. It also focuses on various activities rooted in the community. In 2025, the orchestra deepened its exchanges with more than 1,200 students, providing them with musical instruction.

Bridgestone received the Excellence Award at the 2025 Japan Mécénat Awards^*1 in recognition of its activities to cultivate the next generation, its success in delivering the excitement and joy that music brings to people across the country through outstanding performances, and its Group-wide support for employees in balancing work and musical activities.

Bridgestone will continue to contribute to the development of the local music culture through various activities.

Output (2025)	Educational support: 130 employees took part in musical instrument experiences for children 200 employees took part in musical instrument instruction for junior and senior high school wind orchestras 950 employees took part in performance instruction at a musical workshop^*2
Impact (2025)	Symphony performances: Over 90% of people responded positively, saying that they had been enriched or that their interest in music had increased (assessment of 436 audience members)

Mécénat Award: Established in 1991 by the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts with the aim of enhancing corporate philanthropy and increasing public awareness, the Mécénat Grand Prize (renamed the Mécénat Award in 2004) recognizes particularly outstanding philanthropic activities that create a richer society through the promotion of arts and culture conducted in the previous year, as selected by experts.
Including some people who are not students.

Automotive training centers (United States)

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is addressing the nationwide shortage of automotive technicians in the United States by providing training on the next generation of automotive maintenance technology and supporting non-profit organizations helping students complete their technical education. Working with organizations like Techforce Foundation, BSAM addresses the challenges facing many young people seeking to enter the workforce. Since partnering with Techforce Foundation in 2022, the industry has seen dramatic changes. In 2024, the number of employees across all sectors of the industry grew by 2.8%, outpacing the overall U.S. labor market by 0.8%. Techforce and BSAM also provide scholarships for future automotive technicians.

Driving Great Futures campaign (United States)

BSAM’s Driving Great Futures partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) aims to help families overcome the challenge of getting to and from clubs by providing reliable transportation. In 2025, BSAM raised over 2.5 million USD for BGCA, largely through customer donations across the BSAM nationwide network of more than 2,200 tire and automotive service centers.

At the program’s core are transportation grants. These grants used to purchase BGCA passenger vans equipped with Bridgestone fuel-efficient tires or for existing club vehicles to receive maintenance and repairs. BSAM retail stores also donate company time to servicing existing BGCA vehicles and volunteer at clubs in the local community.

BSAM’s donations since 2015 have reached over 30 million USD. Through ten years of partnership, BSAM has donated 96 vans, which have traveled an estimated 4.6 million miles to transport over 300,000 boys and girls safely to and from after-school activities.

Best Environmental Excellence Award and Best in India Award at the 17th Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2025 (BSAPIC)

Bridgestone Asia Pacific, India, China (BSAPIC) received the Best Environmental Excellence and Best in India awards at the 17th Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2025™. The recognition highlights BSAPIC’s long‑standing biodiversity initiatives and community impact efforts across the region.

The Best Environmental Excellence Award recognized several flagship environmental projects, including Bridgestone Thailand’s Water Boy initiative, Bridgestone Indonesia’s Mangrove Restoration and Sanggabuana Reforestation projects, and Bridgestone India’s Project Green Goal, which promotes species conservation at its Indore and Pune plants. Project Green Goal also contributed to the receipt of the Best in India award, reflecting BSAPIC’s broader sustainability achievements across the country.

Read the full press release here.

Message from Paul Choo, Chief Human Resources, Officer, BSAPIC

“We were honored to receive the Best Environmental Excellence Award and the Best in India Award at the Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2025™. These accolades represent BSAPIC’s 17th and 18th wins at this esteemed event over the past eight years, since 2018. Beyond delivering sustainable solutions to our customers, we are committed to making a tangible impact by driving environmental progress, fostering education, and expanding opportunities that empower communities. Guided by the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, we will continue to seek new ways to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

Some of BSAPIC’s key accomplishments in these areas include the following.

Mangrove and Sanggabuana Projects seek to restore species and tackle deforestation (Indonesia)

For details of this project, please see “Mangrove and Sanggabuana Projects seek to restore species and tackle deforestation (Indonesia)”

Water Boy Initiative (Thailand)

For details of this project, please see “Water Boy Initiative (Thailand)”

Project Green Goal (India)

For details of this project, please see “Project Green Goal (India)”

Bridgestone Road Safety Village for children with special needs (Morocco)

Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE partnered with La Main Douce, an NGO dedicated to children with special needs, to organize a Road Safety Village for children with disabilities such as autism, Down’s Syndrome and learning disorders. The event was held in September in Casablanca, Morocco. The activity aimed to teach children the basics of road awareness through three workshops: road safety, tire recycling, and a Montessori workshop. Medical professionals also participated by sharing their expertise and insights into caring for these young individuals.

Project Unnati sustainable natural rubber project in Kerala (India)

For details of this project, see the Procurement section.

STARTInnova Program (Spain)

Bridgestone’s Puente San Miguel and Bilbao plants partnered with two local media organizations, El Diario Montañés and El Correo, to address youth education and community engagement by participating in the STARTInnova entrepreneurship program. The initiative aimed to provide educational and experiential learning opportunities to high school and vocational students by connecting them with local companies and supporting the development of innovative projects.

The program took place during the 2024–2025 academic year in Cantabria and the Basque Country, engaging students from Centro La Granja de Heras and IES Urbi schools in Basauri. Bridgestone employees participated as mentors and advisors, sharing insights into business operations, teamwork, and problem-solving while guiding students throughout the project development process.

One outcome was that several student teams mentored by the Puente San Miguel plant were selected as finalists, with two of their projects receiving awards. Through this initiative, Bridgestone contributed to strengthening practical education, fostering entrepreneurial skills among young people, and enhancing collaboration with local communities to support students’ first steps toward their future professional lives.

Social | Community Activities related to education