Math, Science and Social Studies are familiar classes for teenagers.
Ford's Ready, Safe, Drive! program is adding tire changing and checking the oil 
to the curriculum for young drivers.
Ford Motor Company Fund, in partnership with SafeSmartWomen (S2W), created Ready, Safe, Drive! car care events to teach girls of driving age some of the basics of vehicle safety, maintenance and even the proper names for car and truck parts.
Latinas participating in the National Hispana Leadership Institute’s Latinas Learning to Lead program recently had an opportunity to participate in the hands-on Ready, Safe, Drive! safety workshop at Lindsay Ford in Wheaton, Maryland.
Mechanics from Lindsay Ford helped teach the young women practical skills such as how to change a tire, jump start a car and check the oil. Safety advocates shared potentially life-saving tips on how to stay safe if stranded in a vehicle on the side of the road. The students also learned about the importance of avoiding distractions while driving.
“Ford is passionate about helping young drivers learn the skill sets that will increase their knowledge, confidence and, ultimately, their safety while on the road,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We are pleased to offer this innovative workshop to the young Latina drivers participating in NHLI’s Latinas Learning to Lead program.”
Each year, NHLI selects 22 undergraduate students from more than 100 applications for this five-day leadership training program. Through a curriculum focused on fostering and strengthening leadership, the program encourages Latinas to complete their education and enhance skills in effective communication, career planning, health and wellness.
“NHLI empowers young Latinas as leaders by providing the tools and the skills to positively impact those around them," said, Barbara J. DesMarteau, interim president, NHLI.
"We are grateful to Ford Motor Company for the opportunity to provide our participants the resources and knowledge to be safe on the road, information that is not only useful to them in their personal lives, but that they will carry back to their communities."
