Ford and OC Law Enforcement Join to Reward Students
Ford Motor Company and Orange County Law Enforcement Agencies Join Forces to Reward Local Students Committed to Staying out of Gangs
The OC GRIP program and their partners will reward over 140 local elementary and middle school students for their successful participation in the program with a visit to Ford’s regional headquarters in Irvine on Dec. 1, 2017.
To earn this incentive, the students met a challe
nge to have no unexcused absences, criminal activity or arrests, violence or weapons on campus, and no gang-related clothing, writing, or behavior.
This is the sixth year that the OC GRIP program, in partnership with Ford and its employees, has provided students at-risk of joining a criminal street gang with resources and support to encourage them to make education a priority in their lives. In this year alone, over 90 Ford employees volunteered their time by visiting 14 Orange County elementary and middle schools to meet with students in the program.
“We’re really proud of and, frankly, humbled by these students,” said Rob Kaffl, general manager of Ford Motor Company West Market Area. “These young people in our community are filled with curiosity, but we need to encourage them to choose learning over gangs. We at Ford are grateful to be involved in a partnership with OC GRIP that allows our team to help build confidence, optimism and a commitment to learning among these young people.”
This partnership between Ford Motor Company and Orange County law enforcement agencies is a true testament of the importance of public and private organizations coming together to provide resources for the community. Completion of the OC GRIP program is not only a great accomplishment for the students, but it also makes them realize that the decisions they make now will have an impact on their future.
“Ford Motor Company, Taco Bell and local law enforcement have invested time, money, sweat and resources planting seeds for a positive future,” said Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackaukas. “OC GRIP has created alternatives for children to choose a positive path and reject the gang life.”
During the event, Ford and RMD Group will reveal the winning OC GRIP student graphic design submission for the official OC GRIP Land Rover. Lunch and additional activities will be provided courtesy of Taco Bell.
