In keeping with the automaker's commitment to education, the Ford Motor Company Fund is bringing its Ford Driving Dreams program to help the students in Detroit, Michigan. The program aims to keep students in school and to promote reading at an early age. Since it launched in 2012, the program has served more than 75,000 students in California, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Texas, and Panama. The Ford Fund, the automaker's philanthropic arm, has invested $161 million over the past 10 years in southeast Michigan, with over $20 million going to local education, arts, cultural, diversity, and hunger relief organizations.
Together with First Book, the Ford Fund is donating 10,000 new books to students in kindergarten through elementary school. It will also host a reading part at the Ford Research and Engagement Center for 65 third graders from Amelia Earhart Elementary School. Former professional boxer, Oscar De La Hoya will be on hand to read to the students.
“Education is central to our mission of improving people’s lives,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. “Encouraging our young people to read and explore the world through books is a tremendous way to empower future generations and enable them to reach their full potential.”
