ACCELER8 AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION CLASSES FOR AT-RISK YOUTH RETURN TO PETERSEN MUSEUM

Acceler8 Education Group has announced a program of automotive-based summer classes. They will be held at the world renowned Petersen Automotive Museum, thanks to the generosity of the Museum management and staff. The classes will take place on July 10, 24 and August 7, 21 and will be located within the Vault of the Petersen Museum, which has recently been renovated, and is where a number of its most treasured vehicles are stored when off exhibit. It will provided a tremendous backdrop for the students to be immersed into the automotive industry and its culture.

The Acceler8 classes at the Petersen Museum are a welcome return to in-person education and replace the previous classes held over Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a small number of students in-person. Acceler8 is excited to finally have the opportunity to return to the hands-on experience that makes the Acceler8 experience so unique.

“The Petersen Automotive Museum is excited to be returning to live events and resuming our partnership with Acceler8 Education,” said Jason Hartwig, Director of Education and Programming at the Petersen Museum. “With the decline of vocational education, workshops such as this are excellent tools to teach students about the mechanics of cars, providing highly-valued skills and inspiring a new generation of automotive enthusiasts.”

Acceler8 is an Automotive Education Program run by a small group of Law Enforcement veterans who are seeking to make a difference in their communities. Led by Sergeant Charles Woodruff and Senior Officer Derrick Boykins, and staffed by a number of experienced volunteers, Acceler8 aims to introduce men and women aged 14-24 to the automotive industry and the many opportunities it holds. Its mission is to teach skills to high school students who are at risk of negative engagement with Law Enforcement, and help to build them into leaders. The program is structured to develop positive relationships with Law Enforcement mentors at a critical time in their lives while also teaching them work and life skills that will help them enter the workforce.

The Acceler8 Education Program is based on a shared enthusiasm for automobiles, which establishes common ground for students and mentors to bond while acquiring a skill. The students participate in classroom activities and hands-on auto repair on project vehicles, learning the safe use of equipment, auto body repair skills, painting, wiring, tire changing and other fundamental skills. Acceler8 has recently connected with the Los Angeles Police Department CSP (Community Safety Partnership) Unit, which will also have a presence during classes and is looking forward to both interacting with and mentoring the students.

Starting at 10am on Saturday July 10, 2021, the class will offer hands-on experience to install aftermarket brakes, body components, and racing seats. We would like to thank the sponsors and donors who have supplied the components for the class, including Wilwood Engineering, Pedal Commander, Anderson Composites, and Braum Racing. Acceler8 activities are also supported by LA Protective League and Galpin Auto Sport.

During the Acceler8 classroom sessions, students will be introduced to a number of motivational speakers, such as two-time Olympic medalist, Dr Mark Crear. The speakers will help to inspire and motivate the students, imparting wisdom and knowledge from their life experiences and ability to overcome negative influences.

2021 ACCELER8 SCHEDULE AT PETERSEN MUSEUM

July 10

July 24

August 7

August 21

Students are invited to enroll for the in-person classes through the Acceler8 website at acceler8education.org

GET INVOLVED

The Accelerate Education Group (Acceler8) is an independent non-profit organization supported by the Los Angeles Police Protective League. It is committed to providing substantive alternatives to crime and substance abuse that will change lives and help build future leaders in Los Angeles County.

In addition to recommending students to the program, we invite the Greater Los Angeles community and automotive enthusiasts to get involved with Acceler8. As a nonprofit organization, it is funded solely by donations and sponsorships from the community. All funds raised go directly to the Acceler8 program and help to provide each student a chance to enter the automotive industry by gaining the skills needed to advance their potential while being mentored by leaders within the community. Furthermore, Acceler8 welcomes qualified volunteers to join the program to impart their knowledge and life skills either mentoring the students or providing their expertise. Please visit acceler8education.org to learn more about the Acceler8 program, to enroll a student, volunteer for the program, or to donate.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Editorial or News staff wishing to join Acceler8 classes in-person should please contact us via the Media Contacts below. Video is available upon request.

ABOUT ACCELER8

Accelerate Education Group (Acceler8) is an independent non-profit organization supported by the Los Angeles Police Protective League. It is committed to providing substantive alternatives to crime and substance abuse that will change lives and help build future leaders in Los Angeles County. It does this by providing a curriculum designed to help enhance knowledge within the automotive field, as well as mentoring, life skills, job skills and hands-on experience.

Please visit acceler8education.org to learn more about the Acceler8 program, to enroll a student, volunteer for the program, or to donate.

ACCELER8 SUPPORTERS

Galpin Auto Sports (galpinautosports.com)

ID Agency (theidagency.com)

Los Angeles Protective League

Los Angeles Police Department Community Safety Partnership

PKautodesign (pkautodesign.com)

MEDIA CONTACT

Charles Woodruff at Acceler8 (Cwoodruff@acceler8education.org)

Greg Emmerson at ID Agency (greg@theidagency.com)