NAIAS Education Day Brings Youth, Auto Industry Together

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rapidly growing use of wireless technology, smart phones and the Internet, today's youth are more connected and tech-savvy than ever. The North American International Auto Show will focus on the various automotive-related technologies for students at all levels at its annual Education Day, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Detroit's Cobo Center.

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Now in its eighth year, NAIAS Education Day is a back-to-basics hands-on experience designed to attract students to the vibrancy of today's automotive industry. NAIAS provides an in-depth auto show experience where students can view approximately 500 new vehicles on display, and explore various industry-related subjects they are studying (e.g., technology, graphic design, culinary arts, journalism, etc.) through tours and hands-on activities facilitated by experts in their particular field. NAIAS 2013, one of the world's premier automotive events, takes place Jan. 19-27, 2013. Students may become further engaged through pre- and post-show lesson plans found on the Education Day website, naias.com/ned.htm.

New for NAIAS Education Day 2013, the National Defense Education Program and STARBASE One will host student workshops for selected high school students focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education. Also, Ally Bank will host workshops on credit and vehicle financing as part of its Ally Wallet Wise free financial education program. Wallet Wise teaches financial education basics in the areas of budgeting, credit, banking and investing, and financing a vehicle via in-person sessions and through online courses at www.AllyWalletWise.com. Selected NAIAS Education Day high school students are invited to participate in Wallet Wise credit and vehicle financing session, which will teach the fundamentals of applying for and maintaining good credit, as well as the different payment options available when buying or leasing a vehicle.

"Ally is committed to advancing financial literacy through its Wallet Wise program, and we are pleased to be able to offer information on personal finances to high school students," said Gina Proia, Chief Communications Officer and head of Ally's community programs. "Financial literacy is an important aspect of consumer education at any age and the partnership with NAIAS is allowing us to help spread this knowledge to members of our local Detroit community."

NAIAS 2013 Chairman Jim Seavitt says he believes Education Day may help inspire some of the next generation of automotive leaders.  

"Let's face it, STEAM education is vital to our domestic automotive industry," said Jim Seavitt. "It's one of the many aspects that students can explore at this unique educational event, and NAIAS is pleased to provide this opportunity to our community of young people."

NAIAS Education Day is open to students of all ages, including college level.  Companies involved include the National Defense Education Program, STARBASE One, Ally Bank, Automation Alley and The PNC Foundation, which specializes in early childhood education.

Also, with the support of the PNC Foundation, the NAIAS Education Day promises to bring STEAM education to more students than ever, even down to the earliest grade levels. As part of its "Grow Up Great" initiative, more than 200 select Detroit Public Schools preschoolers will attend Education Day.

"PNC's signature philanthropic initiative, 'Grow Up Great,' is one of the most comprehensive early childhood education programs in the nation," said PNC Regional President Ric DeVore. "PNC's support of NAIAS Education Day will help to provide learning opportunities at the very start of the educational process."

By registering early, participating schools also have the opportunity to receive a $100 bus grant. The bus grant is available to the first 100 busses from applying schools.

Details

Registration and refund policy:
NAIAS Education Day participants enjoy a discounted school price of $12 per person, which includes a lunch coupon for pizza, chips and a soft drink. Payment can be made with either check or credit card. Tickets are non-refundable, however if a school cannot attend due to unforeseen circumstances, the tickets may be transferred to another weekday of the public show. To register a school, and for more information, visit naias.com/ned.htm.

About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 25th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

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NAIAS 2013 Dates:

• Press Preview: Mon-Tue, Jan. 14-15, 2013
• Industry Preview: Wed-Thu, Jan. 16-17, 2013
• Charity Preview: Fri, Jan. 18, 2013
• Public Show: Sat-Sun, Jan. 19-27, 2013

SOURCE North American International Auto Show