by Kimberly Willis Green
Students at Atlanta Public Schools South Atlanta High have a new career pathway option thanks to a generous partnership with Kauffman Tire Inc. Representatives from APS, Kaufman Tire and its partners cut the ribbon to official open an Automotive Basic Maintenance and Light Repair Lab during a ceremony December 15, 2015. Kaufman Tire and its partners donated more than $150,000 in equipment for the lab that will support educational training and internships that can lead to career opportunities.
APS Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen, Ed.D, Atlanta Board of Education Member Eshé P. Collins, District 6, Kauffman Tire, Inc. Executive Vice President Tom Money, and others spoke about how the program will benefit students pursuing career options after high school. Also in attendance were Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods and representatives from the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education, Transportation Education Foundation of GA, and partners National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, Hunter Engineering, Reliable Hydraulics Inc., Mohawk Rubber Sales, NAPA Auto Parts, Rotary Lift, Valvoline and Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
“Our partnership with Kauffman Tire enables us to create and establish an actual career pathway from public education to well-paying jobs and careers,” said APS Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen, Ed.D. “The new automotive lab at South Atlanta High School is a shining example of how we can offer real-world, valuable trade skills and workplace training— teamwork, conflict resolution and mutual respect for others— to our students.”
South Atlanta High School Principal Dr. Patricia Ford introduced new automotive teacher Debraca Tenny along with students who intend to enroll in her Basic Maintenance and Light Automotive Repair course starting January 2016. Students will receive training on state-of-the-art equipment to earn the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) industry credential upon completion of the course work. Additionally, students will be able to participate in an internship or apprenticeship experience with Kauffman Tire, Inc.
“Atlanta Public Schools has been fantastic to work with and truly understands and supports our vision to help develop students and give them an opportunity to be successful,” said Kauffman Tire, Inc. Executive Vice President Tom Money.
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About Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving approximately 50,000 students across 98 learning sites. The district is organized into nine K-12 clusters with 87 schools, 17 charter schools and two citywide single-gender academies, where students are offered rigorous instructional programs that foster success in school and life. For more information, visit www.atlantapublicschools.us
About Kauffman Tire
A family owned and operated retail and wholesale tire distribution company since 1936, Kauffman Tire is a leader in the industry in retail, wholesale, commercial and E-commerce division. Kauffman Tire’s expansive business model provides employment opportunities to people of all educational and professional backgrounds with opportunity for career advancement within the company. Kauffman Tire operates over 55 retail stores in Georgia and Florida; 14 wholesale distribution centers in seven states and the e-commerce site Tread Depot. Kauffman Tire offers daily delivery to customers out of all wholesale centers, with a fleet of approximately 150 vehicles. For more information, visit www.kauffmantire.com
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