HOUSTON -- Jiffy Lube's Southern California franchisees have launched a program to bring Jiffy Lube's "Basics of Auto Care" classes to underserved high schools across Southern California.

Comprised of 10 distinct classes covering different aspects of auto function, the program is being delivered free to schools in response to statewide budget cuts in vocational training and auto care classes in many public high schools. The interactive classes will present students the opportunity to learn about basic auto care, as well as various potential career paths within the industry.

Taught by longtime auto technicians, James McCaughley in the Los Angeles area and Louie Garcia in Oxnard, CA, the Jiffy Lube "Basics of Auto Care" class will cover a wide range of topics, including: the fundamentals of the internal combustion engine, fuel, compression, ignition, air filter and fuel filter; oil changes, including proper disposal of spent engine oil; cooling system; transmission; suspension, steering, wheels and tires; brakes; and electrical. The class will also feature a day with Jiffy Lube professionals describing their jobs and how they became involved in working with cars, as well as a class dedicated to customizing autos.

"So many students these days are denied the opportunity to learn about automobiles and become exposed to possible careers within the industry, and Jiffy Lube is proud to step up and offer this kind of instruction to underserved schools around California," said John Kenyon, president of the LA Jiffy Lube Association of Franchisees. "Students taking Jiffy Lube's `Basics of Auto Care' class will come away with a broad knowledge base that will enable them to make smart choices when it comes to their own automobiles, as well as show them the kinds of careers that are available in the industry."

"My knowledge of auto care has been vital to my own success as a professional, and I'm very pleased to share my expertise with students in underserved neighborhoods around California," said McCaughley. "Students today often miss out on the opportunities I had, when `Auto Shop' classes were offered at basically every high school, and it's important to show teens the basics and how they can make a career out of it, as I have."

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today's headlines.