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Ford Driving Dreams Tour Kicks Off in Chicago

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Ford Driving Dreams Tour

The Ford Driving Dreams Tour begins today at Curie Metropolitan High School in Illinois

Ford has announced that it will be launching a program called the Ford Driving Dreams Tour to benefit seven high schools in the Chicago area that have a large percentage of Latino students. The $105,000 initiative launches today at Curie Metropolitan High School in Archer Heights, and coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Education has been a top priority for Ford Fund since its start more than 60 years ago. We have a longstanding commitment to investing in programs that provide access to opportunities and resources that will make a life-changing impact on young people,” said Joe Avila, Manager of Community Relations, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are excited to add this initiative to our extensive philanthropic efforts in Chicago, an important community where we live, work and do business.”

The Ford Driving Dreams Tour is the result of a partnership with the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute and ASPIRA, IL. School listed as participating include: ASPIRA Antonia Pantoja Community Charter School, ASPIRA Early College High School, ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School, Curie Metropolitan High School, East Chicago Central High School, George Washington High School, and Roberto Clemente Community Academy.

The tour includes pep rallies lad by Roy Juarez, Jr., information on how to access $50,000 in scholarships provided by Ford Fund and various career/college preparedness grants, and an essay writing contest.

The essay contest—What Drives Your Dream?—encourages students to relate their hopes and dreams for the future for the chance to win part of a $25,000 prize pool that includes gift cards and iPads.

A similar rally will be held at East Chicago Central High School on October 8 at 9am, followed by rallies at Roberto Clemente Community Academy on October 9, and a 12:30pm rally at George Washington High School on October 10.

For more information on the Ford Driving Dreams Tour, visit www.fordscholars.org/drivingdreams.