NAIAS Education Day builds toward a stronger community through youth education

DETROIT, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Connectivity is the new driver in automotive technology, and that technology is fabulously displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). But more than just eye candy, it's an opportunity for students attending the eleventh annual NAIAS Education Day to learn about the wide variety of career opportunities that the auto industry has to offer. Education Day is Jan. 21, 2015, at Detroit's Cobo Center.

NAIAS Education Day is a back-to-basics, hands-on experience designed to attract students to the vibrancy of today's automotive industry. It's an in-depth auto show experience where students can view approximately 750 new vehicles on display, and explore various industry-related subjects (i.e., technology, graphic design, culinary arts, journalism, etc.) through tours and hands-on activities facilitated by experts in their particular field. Students can become further engaged through pre- and post-show lesson plans found on the NAIAS Education Day website, naias.com/ned.htm. In addition, NAIAS Education Day partners provide lessons in every-day-life skills, providing a well-rounded day of learning.

NAIAS Education Day partner Ally Financial will be hosting sessions on credit and auto financing as part of its Ally Wallet Wise free financial education program. Wallet Wise teaches financial education basics in the areas of budget, credit, banking and investing, and financing a vehicle via in-person sessions and online courses at AllyWalletWise.com. Select NAIAS Education Day high school students are invited to participate in Wallet Wise sessions, which will teach budget creating and the importance of maintaining a balanced budget, as well as the fundamentals of applying for and maintaining good credit.

"Ally is pleased to be working with the NAIAS again this year to provide these classes to high school students in the Detroit area and to share the importance of financial literacy with a new generation of auto customers," said Gina Proia, chief communications officer and head of corporate citizenship for Ally. "These sessions are a first step for these students in exploring the basics of financial literacy and building good financial habits for the future."

The NAIAS is also pleased to welcome new partner Shell Global as a supporter of the 2015 Education Day. Shell will host demonstrations of autonomous vehicles in Hall E at this year's event. Additionally, Shell will feature a display in the concourse that will provide hands-on interaction with the technology at the show.

NAIAS 2015 Chairman Scott LaRiche says he believes Education Day may help inspire some of the next generation of automotive leaders.  

"Exposure to different career paths, including those that use Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STREAM), is vital to our domestic automotive industry," said LaRiche. "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. 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.

Registration and refund policy:
NAIAS Education Day participants enjoy a discounted school price of $13 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 27th 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 2015 Dates:

• Public Show: Sat-Sun, Jan. 17-25, 2015

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SOURCE North American International Auto Show