Vehicle repairs can put the brakes on a family’s ability to have safe and reliable transportation to go to school or work, doctor appointments and the grocery store – especially when that family’s budget already is tight.

Retired SAISD employees Sarah and Terry Baxter, who are part of the Early Ford V8 Club of America, decided they wanted to shift the gears in favor of families who find themselves in this situation. At the same time, they wanted to give back to the District’s students at Lanier High School.

The couple made a gift through the SAISD Foundation to fund vehicle parts that students in Lanier’s automotive program could use to help families in their West Side community, who otherwise could not afford car repairs.

Lanier’s automotive program provides reasonably priced maintenance and light repairs such as brakes, oil changes, shocks, tire rotations, tune-ups, alignment and other essential vehicle repair. Because of this donation, students can start to do more complex work at no charge for a few families that cannot afford critical repairs. These are all experiences that contribute to the education of students. 

“The real-life, hands-on experience students receive in the program enhances their learning, which transfers to higher rate of program completion and a continued passion for the automotive industry,” says Juan Morales, automotive master teacher at Lanier High School and adjunct professor at St. Philip’s College.

Students in the program are obtaining industry certifications, dual credit (earning both high school and college credit), and also participate in SkillsUSA leadership and skills competitions. 

“Donors like the Baxters and the Early Ford V8 Club of America can play a significant role in making project-based learning possible,” says Judy Geelhoed, SAISD Foundation executive director. "Programs like this are both a meaningful investment in our future workforce and the local community." 

SAISD Foundation is accepting additional donations to grow the program. For more information, visit www.saisdfoundation.com or call (210) 554-2235.