Conversely, Jimmie Johnson and his sponsor Ally partnered to reach out to the youth. (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)
All things considered, Jimmie Johnson knows a thing or two about motorsports. In fact, Johnson partnered with his sponsor, Ally Financial, with an initiative introducing teens to motorsports careers. With the ever rising cost of motorsports, they want to help educate the youth with finances and money basics.
Approximately 60 students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County schools met with Johnson and other professionals at career “pit stops” to learn about engineering, marketing, automotive tech, computer science and personal finance. They explored both university and certificate degree career paths while touring the Hendrick Motorsports campus.
Education’s Impact on Jimmie Johnson
“For as far back as I can remember, my parents instilled a certain framework in my brothers and I,” Johnson said. “It was all about maintaining a solid grade point average in school and handling our responsibilities around the house. I’m so thankful they did as well. I may have not enjoyed it at the time. But, it allowed me to follow my dreams of racing.”
Furthermore, Johnson said, “I instill the same values in my daughters. I’m so impressed with Ally’s Fueling Futures initiative. Programs like this allow for me to participate and help kids in the community.”
As a result, students immersed themselves into various activities such as behind-the-scenes jobs essential to professional sports operations and related fields. For example, software development and computer experience were highlighted as key skills for jobs ranging from engineering simulations and vehicle repair diagnostics to social media production.
Ally’s Impact with Youth
Alison Summerville, business administration executive and head of Corporate Citizenship for Ally Financial, said, “Students often don’t realize how many career opportunities in racing exist beyond the driver’s seat. We hope today’s activities encourage teens to get excited and feel empowered about their futures.”
Representatives from Ally led the career “pit stop” discussion on budgeting and the importance of building credit and savings. Money management is an area where many young people feel unprepared. An Ally survey found that recent grads give themselves poor grades in personal finance and say they’d like to learn how to better manage their finances.
Furthermore, Ally made economic mobility and financial education as the cornerstones of its efforts to make communities stronger.
In the long run, Johnson and Ally hope for sustainable success with their initiative. (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)
Summerville added, “Jimmie shares our commitment to give back and do it right in the community. We’re excited to work with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. This partnership allows us to strengthen education opportunities and economic mobility through the ‘Ally Fueling Futures’ initiative.”
The No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car will feature a special paint scheme to recognize the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. Ally Fueling Futures will be on the car for the Oct. 20 race at Kansas Speedway.
Summerville also said that they plan to continue the Ally Fueling Futures program next year after debuting at Michigan in August.