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M&I Bank to Support Automotive Youth Education
(Madison, WI) M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank recently
contributed $75,000 to The Foundation of the Wisconsin
Automobile & Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) to
support the national Automotive Youth Educational Systems
(AYES) program in Wisconsin. The three-year gift provides
important backing for selected high schools offering
high quality automotive technology training for juniors
and seniors.
AYES is a partnership between automobile and truck
manufacturers, dealerships and Wisconsin teachers. Graduates
may receive advanced technical college standing upon
completion of courses in automotive technology or collision
repair. The program seeks to attract more talented young
people to challenging retail automotive service industry
careers, positioning them to satisfy the needs of vehicle
owners in the 21st century.
"The gift from M&I Bank marks a significant
partnership between banking and the automotive retail
industry in Wisconsin," says Ray Pedersen, executive
director of The Foundation. "Their support helps
ensure that technical education at the high school level
in the state meets national industry standards."
Mark Tousignant, vice president of M&I's Automotive
Segment, calls the partnership with The Foundation of
WATDA a natural extension of the firm's extensive statewide
presence. "M&I Bank is pleased to be a philanthropic
partner of the WATDA Foundation and assist them in preparing
youth for careers in automotive technology."
M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank is the largest bank
corporation in Wisconsin and a nationally recognized
leader in the financial services industry. M&I has
214 offices throughout the state.
The Foundation of WATDA is a public foundation for
education, research and charitable giving in Wisconsin.
Since 1992, it has granted more than 600 scholarships
valued at over $2.5 million in cash and Snap-on Tools
for students pursuing careers in the industry. Five
hundred new car and truck dealers statewide provide
mentors and internships. The Foundation continues to
add high school sites to the Wisconsin AYES roster.
Pedersen expects 20 schools to host the program by 2004.
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