August 2010

Ford Helps Usher's Drive to Engage Youth

Ford Driving Skills for Life partnered with Usher’s New Look Foundation to help more than 100 young people stay safe behind the wheel. Ford Driving Skills for Life is a hands-on program that gives teens the opportunity to drive with professional drivers on a special course, They learn new skills in vehicle handling, hazard recognition, avoiding distractions, and speed and space management. These four key areas are linked to the majority of vehicle crashes involving teen drivers.

Usher with Atlanta Media"I don't think I motivate the entire world as much as I think the youth will, giving them the voice to speak and the ability to understand that safety is important," Usher told members of the media. "I didn't have the benefit of having this class, and I actually did have an accident as a youth. Hopefully these kids won't."

“We share Usher’s commitment to make a difference with youth, which is why we partnered with New Look Foundation to bring Ford Driving Skills for Life to the Powered By Service Day,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Auto crashes claim the lives of too many teens, and our program is designed to give new drivers the skills they need.”

Driving Skills for LifeFord Driving Skills for Life was one of several workshops conducted for some 600 young people from around the world in safe driving, health and fitness, the environment and Haiti relief. The program was part of the Foundation’s World Leadership Awards that honored former President Bill Clinton and seven others for youth engagement and service.

New Look also hosted a service training session and roundtable discussion about youth leadership and the importance of education. Earlier this year, Usher was named the 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar in recognition of his many efforts for empowering and training youth.

To see more photos from the Ford event with Usher follow this link: ford-usher-safety-gallery