Livingstone College’s students learn first-hand from NASCAR interns about jobs in North Carolina’s Motorsports industry through the college’s Summer Bridge Program.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 31, 2008 — The Media Center at Lowe’s Motor Speedway was in fast motion on July 16. A unique collaboration with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation and the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) provided an opportunity for 113 Livingstone College students and chaperones to tour the Lowe’s Motors Speedway and see career presentations from college interns in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program.

Introduced in 2007, Livingstone College’s Summer Bridge Program initiative provides new audiences with an increased awareness of motorsports and opportunities for education, training, employment and careers. This event was the Introduction Tier of IE2 – Introduce, Educate, Intern, Employ, NCMA’s Workforce Development Initiative, and the second year Livingstone College has provided an opportunity for their students to be exposed to the Motorsports Industry.

Following a very inspiring welcome and words of encouragement to the students, Bart Aslin, director of the SME Education Foundation said, “The SME Education Foundation is honored to be a partner with NCMA in providing these young people with an experience that reveals to them the many exciting career opportunities available in the Motorsports Industry. This day at Lowe’s Motor Speedway could be the beginning of a fulfilling career in a dynamic, growing industry.” Bart traveled from Michigan to greet the group and to learn more about the impact that the IE2 Initiative is having in Charlotte and surrounding area.

Introductions also included a panel of five very impressive interns holding exciting positions with various local motorsports teams and companies. The participating interns were:

Michael Press – Motorsports Authentics, Mass Retail Sales
Donald Rouse – Octagon Marketing, Marketing Activation Department
Brittany Eustche – Roush-Fenway Racing, Licensing Department
Tyler Cheatam – Jay Howard Production Group, Event Management
DeMarcus Miller – NASCAR, Inc., Licensing Department

With the support and involvement of many industry partners, the 2008 IE2 program engaged approximately two hundred sixty people, the majority being young adults involved in tours, listening to speakers, and experiencing hands-on activities.

Says Andy Papathanassiou, executive director, NCMA, “The Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Science (STEM) curriculum being emphasized in schools fits the motorsports and manufacturing industries perfectly. While there are many occupations that one can pursue in this industry, there is an increasing demand for a highly-skilled labor force that will have to have an aptitude in science, engineering, technology and math. We want to start early to help grow a well-trained labor force. We want to continue to provide these opportunities for all groups, especially those that educate and serve youth. The more they see it, and have access to industry resources and information—and the education and skills it requires, the better the workforce.”

About IE2 and NCMA:

In 2007 the NCMA launched IE2 (pronounced I – E - Squared) a four- tiered workforce development initiative designed to Introduce, Educate, Intern and Employ those who seek to pursue opportunities in the Motorsports Industry. This initiative engages youth, young adults and the community in experiences that inspire math, science, writing/English, technology, engineering, and overall awareness of the diverse range of jobs in motorsports.

The North Carolina Motorsports Association is involved in public policy through work with the North Carolina Legislature and the Governor’s Motorsports Council; Business development through the North Carolina Department of Commerce; Workforce Development which involves educational institutions statewide, the business community and motorsports organizations. The NCMA also provides networking opportunities and industry information to its membership.
Media Contact: Shawn Stewart 704.658.7265 sstewart@motorsportsnc.org

About the SME Education Foundation:

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation was created by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1979 as a means of transforming education in North American colleges and universities. It is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing manufacturing education. Its approach is to inspire youth to pursue careers in manufacturing; to support students studying for a career in an engineering-related field, and prepare these students to participate in a global economy. The Foundation has provided more than $24 million in grants, scholarships and awards. Visit www.sme.org/foundation.

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact the SME Education Foundation by phone (313) 425-3300, e-mail foundation@sme.org, or Fax: (313) 425-3411