Local Youth Leaders Changing Teen Driving Behavior
Newark, NJ— International Girls Academy recently received a grant from the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) to address distracted driving in teens. The International Girls Academy created a campaign called #ProjectSafeDriving to help expose the next generation of leaders to the importance of their safety on the road. They are part of Project Ignition, a national cohort of approximately 30 youth-led teams working to address distracted driving across the country.
Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for adolescents. Project Ignition students work in teams to investigate how this issue affects their communities, plan and prepare to take action, and engage community partners. Through their investigation, International Girls Academy found that engaging the next generation through social media can help provide them with the needed exposure. They aim to change teen driving behavior by implementing a safety driving challenge and campaign to provide an overview of the importance of safe driving. Through TikTok and Instagram, we will encourage students and the next generation of leaders about the importance of safe driving. Their work is saving lives in the community.Safe driving is imperative for everyone to take into consideration, especially the next generation of drivers. More exposure and education on the topic will help with the current driving state. Project Ignition was created by NYLC and is funded by General Motors. The Project Ignition cohort follows the “service-learning” model — a teaching and learning approach in which students use academic and civic knowledge and skills to address genuine community needs.
###
About The International Girls Academy
The International Girls Academy's mission is to unite, uplift, and empower through the instruction and practice of the Nguzo Saba, aka The Seven Principles, created by Dr. Muluana Karenga. The seven principles are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. By embedding the Nguzo Saba principles into our everyday lives, we strive to create a positive and open-minded society. Through the Nguzo Saba principles, The International Girls Academy empower girls to understand that they don't need a seat at the table; they can create their own.
About NYLC
NYLC has been at the center of service-learning programs and policy development for more than three decades. Its mission is to create a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world with young people, schools, and communities through service learning. The organization convenes the annual National Service-Learning Conference®, offers adult and youth training, runs model programs, directs service-learning research, and develops service-learning resources. For more information, visit nylc.org.
