ACCELER8 EDUCATION GROUP INTRODUCES NEW PROGRAMS THROUGH 2022 FORMULA DRIFT PARTNERSHIP
After an extremely successful first year in partnership with Formula DRIFT, Acceler8 – the Los Angeles-based automotive Education Program for at-risk youth – is looking forward to another year of phenomenal growth.
Acceler8 is run by serving Law Enforcement professionals who wanted to provide alternative outlets for youth at-risk of entering the judicial system through avenues such as gang culture. The Education Program uses a shared automotive passion to offer potential employment opportunities through hands-on and classroom training.
As the Official Education Partner to Formula DRIFT, Acceler8 has been able to bring the classroom to the track. Drivers, teams and FD staff have all participated in behind-the-scenes tours run by Acceler8 to give students an insight into what it takes to be part of the sport, helping to identify possible education paths to future employment.
More than 200 students were enrolled in Acceler8 Education Programs in 2021 and the aim is to double that number this year. To that end, Acceler8 will attend FD rounds in Long Beach, Atlanta, St Louis, Seattle, Utah and Irwindale. The staff will work with local Law Enforcement organizations to help identify at-risk youth who might benefit from the program and invite them to attend an event.
While Acceler8 runs a number of classes throughout the year at various locations, it has always relied on the generous support of specialist facilities for classroom space. However, the recent acquisition of the new Acceler8 Ford F-250 truck, thanks to extremely generous donations from City of LA 15th District and LA Rotary LA5, means the classes can now travel to the students. Not only will the new truck help to alleviate the problem of finding temporary accommodation across the Greater Los Angeles region, but it will enable Acceler8 to reach far more students.
To make the truck stand out, it’s in the process of receiving a distinctive vinyl wrap, wheels, suspension and exhaust. Additionally, the F-250 will be fitted with unique tool bays to house all the equipment needed for Acceler8 shop classes. It will also have a rack system for extra storage and off-road lighting to continue classes into the winter months.
SWEEPSTAKES FUNDRAISER
To help raise additional funds for its ambitious 2022 plans, Acceler8 has partnered with SUPER73. The leading e-bike company based in Irvine, CA kindly donated a SUPER73-Z1 e-bike that will form the basis of a Sweepstakes to help raise funds to provide more students with this unique education opportunity.
The SUPER73-Z1 is a high-performance electric motorbike that doesn’t require a license, insurance, or registration. It come with a 418 watts-hours battery that can be easily charged from any standard 110v outlet. It powers a hub motor capable of producing up to 900 watts peak power. The Class 2 street-legal electric bike allows riders as young as 16 to ride legally on city streets, and its low 27" seat height comfortably accommodates riders between 4’6 - 5’11".
To make the Z1 even more appealing, Acceler8 has teamed up with Adam Stone at Stone Color Studio in Porterville, CA. As an experienced hot rod painter, Adam is donating a custom paint job for the bike, which will be based on one of the many outstanding vehicles he’s painted in recent years.
Finished in its custom paint and with a number of custom parts, the e-bike will be making an appearance at a number of Formula DRIFT rounds throughout the season to raise awarenes. Supporters will be able to enter the Acceler8 Sweepstakes via tapkat.org/acceler8/19xRYE
“Acceler8 is extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue as the Education Partner of Formula DRIFT for a second season,” said Charles Woodruff, CEO of Acceler8. “We’re proud to showcase our Education Program to Formula DRIFT fans and communities throughout the US, bringing at-risk youth to the track to highlight their future opportunities.”
The program is highly appreciated by the Formula DRIFT staff, all of whom are extremely supportive of its mission. “This is such a great cause for us to partner with,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “It’s wonderful to think we can help to give at-risk youth an insight into their full potential simply by doing what we love. We all want to do as much as possible for kids who find themselves having to make difficult choices. And if exposure to FD makes the difference to even one person, then it’s all been worthwhile.”
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.
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 the 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 SPONSORS
Auto Conduct, American Truck, Borla Performance, City of LA 15th District, Formula DRIFT, ID Agency, LA Protective League, LA Rotary LA5, Lucas Oil, Petersen Museum, PK Auto Designs, Slime, Stanley W Ekstrom Foundation, TYPE S, Wilwood Engineering
ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT
Formula DRIFT is recognized as the leading international drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges the driver's skill while demanding a great deal from their vehicle in terms of power and strength. Formula DRIFT provides a series for the best professional drifters from around the globe to compete for the coveted title of Formula DRIFT Champion. As the first official drifting series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting drift fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life, and established itself as the global leader for the sport. For a competition schedule, ticket information, special content and livestream, please visit formulad.com
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