2015 Detroit Auto Show: NAIAS and PNC Foundation Expand Education Day(s) to Focus on Preschoolers

DETROIT -- Jan. 19, 2015: The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and the PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from the PNC Financial Services Group , today announced an expansion of the NAIAS Education Day to include a day solely focused on pre-K students' activities in science, technology, reading, engineering arts, and mathematics education (STREAM). The expanded Education Days will take place at Cobo Center on Jan. 21 - 22.

PNC expects to host more than 400 Detroit Public School pre-K students in support of Grow Up Great, its $350 million, multi-year bilingual initiative in early childhood education on Jan. 22.

NAIAS 2015 Chairman Scott LaRiche said he believes NAIAS Education Days may help inspire some of the next generation of automotive leaders.

"STREAM education is vital to our domestic automotive industry," said LaRiche. "It's one of the many aspects that students can explore at this unique educational event, and NAIAS is pleased to provide this opportunity to our young people, even at the earliest ages. We are especially pleased that PNC continues to partner with us on this important event."

The students will participate in a number of educational activities, including an Arts and Scraps project and a Cobo Center coloring contest. After lunch, the students will be led to the NAIAS show floor where they will participate in a group photo, enjoy a parade with local mascots and take part in hands-on activities throughout several of the exhibits. To finish off the day, they will be treated to the "Get Buckled! Save Lives!" seat belt safety presentation by Miss Tip of the Mitt, Victoria Lines. One of the participating students will be given the opportunity to win a booster seat. All students will then receive their very own NAIAS stuffed animal along with lesson plans to bring NAIAS STREAM education home.

"PNC's support of NAIAS Education Days reflects our strong corporate commitment to early childhood education in Detroit and throughout the PNC footprint," said PNC Regional President Ric DeVore, speaking on behalf of the PNC Foundation. "PNC's signature philanthropic initiative, 'PNC Grow Up Great,' is one of the most comprehensive early childhood education programs in the nation."

Started ten years ago, NAIAS Education Days has grown from its single day format to a two-day program that impacts students of all ages, with support from a variety of organizations. It is a back-to-basics, hands-on experience designed to educate students about the vibrancy of today's automotive industry. NAIAS provides an in-depth auto show experience tailored to each age group. More information about NAIAS Education Days can be found at naias.com/ned.htm.