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Ford Fund Expands Signature Education Program with the Launch of Ford Driving Dreams in Spain

  • Ford Motor Company Fund launches Ford Driving Dreams—one of its signature programs—in Spain to empower vulnerable youth and encourage higher education

  • The Valencia program delivers more than 100.000 euros in resources, including skills training and a social entrepreneurship summer camp

  • Ford Driving Dreams has provided educational tools and scholarships to more than 200,000 students in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Latin America since 2012

 

Impulsando Suenos students working together to construct posters with markers and paper

 

VALENCIA, Spain, Dec. 5, 2019 — Ford Motor Company Fund—the philanthropic arm of Ford—is launching its signature Ford Driving Dreams education program in Spain for the first time. Ford Driving Dreams is a global educational initiative that empowers youth to have a better vision of their future—encouraging them to pursue college education as well as social entrepreneurship opportunities.

Ford Driving Dreams kicked-off yesterday with a Mini Hackathon in Valencia at El Palacio de la Exposición. A group of more than 200 students ranging from 14 to 18 years of age participated in the event, which focused on global sustainability and socioeconomic challenges. As part of the program, students experienced a full day of high-energy motivational and goal-setting activities led by professional subject-matter experts. Students were motivated to lead a positive life, define their dreams and acquire the skills to achieve them. In Spain, the initiative will provide more than 100.000 euros in motivational activities and social entrepreneurship training.

"Ford Motor Company believes in making a better world by driving educational opportunities for young people," said Joe Ávila, manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. "That means giving the students from the communities where we do business the resources to build themselves up and start companies of their own."

Impulsando Suenos students posing for selfie in front of posters they created

"I am proud that Valencia was the city chosen by Ford Fund to expand this program that for the first time visits the European continent and that is in collaboration with the Asociación para la Integración y Progreso de las Cuturas - Pandora," said Dionisio Campos, manufacturing director of Ford Spain. "The program is expected to last approximately one year, include six phases and impact more than 200 students," he added.

Ford partnered with AIPC Pandora, a nonprofit that promotes international education and global citizenship, to adapt the global Ford Driving Dreams initiative to meet local needs in Spain. AIPC Pandora organizes educational programs in more than 57 countries to expose multicultural students to global challenges and provide access regardless of their socioeconomic background.

"Ford Fund's contribution through its Ford Driving Dreams program demonstrates the great capacity that companies have to contribute to the training and empowerment of future generations. Thanks to the innovation and creativity of its programs, many of these young people will be able to lead contributions and positive change for themselves and for society," said Ana Eseverri Mayer, director and founder, AIPC Pandora.

Ford Driving Dreams was designed by Ford Fund in 2012 to help students graduate on time and pursue higher education. From early reading and literacy initiatives to motivational rallies, networking, college preparedness and beyond, Ford Driving Dreams inspires youth to seek a future full of possibilities. Since 2012, Ford Driving Dreams has equipped more than 200,000 students across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Latin America with scholarships and resources — both inside and outside the classroom—designed to build confidence and inspire students throughout their academic career.

Beyond Ford Driving Dreams, Ford Fund's impact in Spain includes the Ford College Community Challenge, AIPC Pandora Youth or and Leadership Program, Ford Driving Skills for Life, Apadrina La Ciencia Science Scholarships, the Ford Fund Smart Mobility Challenge, and volunteering activities with local NGOs during Vibrant Volunteer Week and Global Caring Month.

Impulsando Suenos students placing final memo paper to poster board exhibit

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About Ford Motor Company Fund

As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund's mission is to strengthen communities and help make people's lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Twitter.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 62,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 19 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned facilities and seven unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903—the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.