Suburban Propane teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and the Women In Trucking Association to host an event called Trucks are for Girls Fueling the Future. The goal was to show young girls that careers in transportation, energy and sustainability are absolutely open to them.

“Suburban Propane is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers,” said Fran Cleffi, vice president of human resources for Suburban Propane. “Through Trucks are for Girls: Fueling the Future, we hope to empower young girls to see themselves in industries that are driving America’s energy transformation and to help them build the confidence to pursue any career they choose.”

The event took place at Suburban Propane’s national headquarters in Whippany, New Jersey. Girl Scouts from across the region showed up for hands on learning and leadership activities. They broke into sessions on science, entrepreneurship and innovation to learn how clean energy powers communities and how their own creativity can shape the future workforce.

They got a behind the scenes look at Suburban Propane’s operations, climbed into a propane delivery truck and tried out a driving simulator inside the Women In Trucking Association’s WITney trailer. They also sat in on career chats with women working in areas such as technology, accounting, marketing and legal. In one activity the girls worked together to build cause driven cookie campaigns that mixed business skills with community impact. Each participant went home with a Suburban Propane Patch and a WIT Transportation Patch as a keepsake.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Suburban Propane and for their support in putting together and hosting the Trucks are for Girls event,” said Sandra A. Kenoff, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. “This collaboration gives our Girl Scouts the unique opportunity to explore career paths they may have never considered, connect with mentors who are paving the way in “nontraditional” fields, and see firsthand the many ways women are leading in transportation and logistics. We thank Suburban Propane for their support and for creating such an inspiring experience.”

While the girls explored the industry, parents and guardians joined a professional development workshop called Gear Up for Success Your Resume and Your Brand. The session was led by Suburban Propane’s human resources team.

This effort ties into SuburbanCares, the company’s nationwide outreach program that supports youth empowerment, education and community involvement across the 42 states where it operates.

Image Source: WIT

Source: The Trucker

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Empowering Future Truckers

Phil Byrd, the chairman of TCF, expressed his admiration for the Academy’s impact, stating, “The South Dallas Driving Academy has been instrumental in removing roadblocks to rewarding careers in trucking. Providing young Texans with the tools they need to succeed empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and build a bright future for themselves and their families. This organization has grown exponentially in such a short time. It is truly amazing to witness. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to continue our support of this transformative program that invests in the next generation of our industry.”

A Legacy of Support

This recent donation builds on TCF’s history of backing SDDA. Initially, TCF contributed $15,000 in 2021 to help launch the program, followed by an additional $20,000 in 2023, showcasing its unwavering commitment to the Academy’s success.

Chris Petersen, vice president of Rally Fleet Services and chair of SDDA, remarked, “When so much of our energy at the South Dallas Driving Academy is focused on helping young men and women overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers entering our industry, the continued support of ATA leadership and the Trucking Cares Foundation is incredibly encouraging. I will always remember ATA Chairman Andrew Boyle’s emphatic endorsement of our vision when we first presented the concept just over three years ago. Shortly thereafter, TCF began its support of our program. Thanks in large part to TCF’s support, SDDA has expanded from a 7-student pilot program to one that has graduated 110 Class C and 5 Class A drivers in the past 14 months. TCF’s ongoing sponsorship will ensure that we can continue providing these crucial life credentials so we can help fill the pipeline of the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Breaking Barriers with Education

The press release highlights a stark reality—almost 40% of low-income individuals in urban U.S. areas, and nearly half in South Dallas, lack a valid driver’s license due to the scarcity of affordable driver education. The South Dallas Driving Academy offers a unique dual-pathway program, enabling South Dallas residents to earn their driver’s licenses and prepare for a career in transportation. This trailblazing initiative, exclusive to Bonton and South Dallas residents, boasts an impressive 90% course completion and graduation rate.

Von Minor, president & executive director of SDDA, emphasized the significance of TCF’s contribution, saying, “Because of the continuing support of the Trucking Cares Foundation, the SDDA is able to provide the tuition and scholarships that are required for men and women to matriculate through our quarterly Class A/CDL Commercial License Program and launch career pathways into the trucking industry. What was once a barrier has become an economic pathway.”

Source: The Trucker

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