E. Norriton, Pa., October 20, 2008 - The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP), is continuing its support of EconomicsPennsylvania through an $18,000 grant to its Strive to Drive program. This student activity, used in the classrooms of many southeastern Pennsylvania middle and high schools, shows teens what it takes to buy a car and teaches them other important life skills.
Strive to Drive is a fun, fast paced reality Discovery Map activity that allows students to learn what it takes to purchase a car. They learn about researching prices, negotiating, finding and keeping a job, taking out loans, securing insurance, making decisions about deductibles, planning for car maintenance, safe driving habits and much more.
The program takes place around a table sized visual that includes a set of cards to direct students through a series of questions and decisions. It is an experiential, accelerated and high involvement learning experience that creates an atmosphere of productive play while using the energy of small student teams working and learning together.
"What initially attracted us to the Strive to Drive program was its unique educational approach to practical, everyday, real life issues that help students understand personal finance management skills and the proper care and use of credit,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Foundation and ADAGP.
To date, the Foundation has donated $71,000 to Strive to Drive, helping approximately 220 teachers and 20,000 students receive access to the activity. This donation also involved assistance from the Pennsylvania Automotive Association Foundation (PAAF). PAAF is a community foundation, established in 2002, whose primary mission is to support and promote the charitable activities of the franchised automobile and medium and heavy duty truck dealers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.