Launch Pad Rolls Out its First Automotive Program

HANOVER, ON - April 14, 2022: Launch Pad Youth Skills and Technology Centre launched its first automotive program in February as part of its Winter Program schedule. The program drew the attention of not only local youth, but also other local organizations who wanted to see this program succeed: Trillium Mutual Insurance ROOTS Community Fund; Howick Mutual Insurance Community Support Fund; Canadian Tire Hanover; and Nuhn’s Auto Supply.

Nicholas Manglal-lan, youth engagement coordinator at Launch Pad, fostered Intro to Automotive to giveyouth the foundational mindset of how cars work and basic maintenance. The program offered two after-school dates, both reaching capacity in just 36 hours of the winter schedule being released.

“Offering an automotive program for youth has been a long-time goal for Launch Pad,” said Emily Morrison, Launch Pad executive director. “Seeing the community come together to allow us to create such a successful program for the local youth has truly been incredible.”

Trillium Mutual Insurance ROOTS Community Fund was one of the first to provide support with a $5,000 grant to acquire the necessary equipment. Howick Mutual Insurance Community Support Fund then donated a scrap car for the youth to work on and more cash for tools, allowing Manglal-lan to elevate the tools and equipment for the program.  After sharing the story with the owners of Hanover Canadian Tire, Launch Pad was able to purchase the equipment at cost which allowed the cash donations to be stretched further. Lastly, Nuhn’s Auto Supply provided a free tow to get the scrap car to Launch Pad.

“The Trillium ROOTS Community Fund was pleased to sponsor this excellent program for the youth in our community.  It was exciting to meet Nicholas, the youth engagement coordinator, and see first hand his passion for this automotive project,” said Tracy MacDonal, president and CEO of Trillium Mutual Insurance. “It was great to see the project come to life through his vision!”

Intro to Automotive provides a hands-on curriculum featuring short lectures on various topics from engine diagnostics to electronic schemes. The goal is to provide youth an understanding of the different parts of a car, how they work with each other, and proper maintenance. The program is designed for any youth whether they have zero knowledge of cars or have a background in automotive mechanics.

“Howick Mutual believes in giving back to our community and supporting programs such as this. We are happy to be part of such an exciting program,” said Jason Goll, Manager of Claims and Loss Preventions, Howick Mutual Insurance.

After the automotive program’s success last season, Launch Pad was able to create three automotive programs for its Spring After-School Program schedule, including the brand new Intro to Automotive for Girls & Non-Binary. Registrations for Spring Programs are still open on the www.mylaunchpad.ca website.

Launch Pad continues to monitor the COVID-19 situations and follows the appropriate precautionary guidelines being recommended by various Canadian health authorities, including the Grey Bruce Public Health, Ontario Health, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. At this time, proof of vaccination will not be required for Spring After-School Programs or Drop-In; however, in an effort to protect staff and youth, Launch Pad continues to require masks while inside the building.

Launch Pad is an innovative youth centre located in Hanover that empowers Grey Bruce youth. We provide fun and inclusive skill building opportunities to promote career discovery. By working with our community, we lead a team of experienced volunteers to build a variety of skill sets to help our youth succeed.

Launch Pad social channels:
Website: https://mylaunchpad.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/launchpadyatc/
Instagram: https://twitter.com/launchpadyatc
Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/launchpadyatc/

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For more information, please contact:

Joshua Weidner (He/Him)
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Launch Pad Youth Activity and Technology Center
519 506 6300
joshua@yatc.ca