The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has welcomed school groups of all ages to attend one of the most prominent auto shows in North America and learn valuable lessons at its annual NAIAS Education Day (NED) today. Now in its 12th year, NED takes place in partnership with PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from the PNC Financial Services Group. Lesson plans and activities are customized based on the classes and students that are attending.

“Education Day allows students an up-close and personal opportunity to experience exciting vehicles and technologies that will shape the future of our industry, in a manner that is informative and educational,” said Paul Sabatini, 2016 NAIAS chairman. “Our goal is to inspire these students to become involved in automotive and help steer this industry into the future.”  

NAIAS and PNC announced last year an expansion of the NAIAS Education Day that included a day solely focused on pre-K students’ activities in science, technology, reading, engineering arts and mathematics education (STREAM). PNC expects to host more than 400 Detroit public school pre-K students on Jan. 21, in support of “Grow Up Great,” the city’s $350 million, multi-year bilingual initiative in early childhood education.

“PNC’s ongoing support of NAIAS Education Day reflects our strong corporate commitment to education in Detroit and throughout the PNC footprint,” said PNC Regional President Ric DeVore. “PNC has brought thousands of DPS preschool students to the show over the past five years. Our goal is to inspire some of these youngsters to work hard in school and eventually pursue careers in the auto industry.”

Participating students will be involved in a number of educational activities throughout the day, starting with a “Get Buckled! Save Lives!” seat belt safety presentation, followed by individual workshops on the show floor, and will conclude by giving one lucky student who will be randomly chosen, the chance to win a booster seat. All Grow Up Great students will then receive their very own NAIAS stuffed animal along with lesson plans to bring NAIAS STREAM education home.

More information about NAIAS Education Days can be found here.