Recently, SEMA expanded it’s youth outreach efforts by partnering with the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) Program. As a SEMA member company located near the infamous Zmax Dragway in North Carolina, Steele had the opportunity to send some volunteers to participate in this student career day when it came to town in April. Joanna Agosta Shere, our Vice President, and I were happy to help.
More than 1,400 students from area schools attended that day- that’s right, 1,400! For most this was their first time at an NHRA drag race and they were excited! But first, they had a fun filled career fair. They got to hear several successful people in the automotive industry speak about their careers and what path they took to get there. They got to see some drag cars and several other types of race cars up close and personal. They also got some face time with companies like Universal Technical Institute/NASCAR Technical Institute, Ford and, of course, SEMA/PRI.
My job was to help students spin the prize wheel. The prizes ranged from sunglasses and earplugs to a fist bump, hot wheels car or even an empty box! The students were all great sports about their prizes and even cheered each other on as they spun the wheel.
Joanna was stationed over at the educator table where they served the teachers donuts and coffee and talked to them about signing up for more information about the youth programs and scholarships offered by SEMA. She said it was surprising how many teachers didn’t know these resources existed. The goal was to get 25 educators signed up and they signed up 35!
Here at Steele we, like many others in the industry, think it’s important to keep young people interested in and excited about the automotive trades because they are the future of our industry. Joanna and I are both grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with companies like SEMA and the NHRA to reach these students and teachers and have a small part in making the day exciting experience for them.
If you’re an educator or a student and would like more information about the NHRA’s YES Program or the resources and scholarships available through SEMA check them out through the links below:
Steele not only has all the products you need but all the knowledge you need to get the job done right, too. If you have questions about Rubber Parts or Weatherstripping on your Classic Car, Truck, Hot Rod or even your boat, trailer or RV, feel free to reach out to us! You can call us at 800-650-4482, contact us through our website or comment on this post and we’ll get you answers as quickly as possible. Check out our YouTube channel for our full library of how-to/installation videos.