Girl Scouts Teams With Firestone to Host
2008 'On the Road' Driver's Ed Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2008

CONTACT:
Girl Scouts of the USA
Michelle Tompkins
Phone: (212) 852-5074
mtompkins@girlscouts.org

New York, N.Y.—When Girl Scouts of the USA asked pre-teen and teen girls to share some of their innermost hopes and dreams, an overwhelming number responded that receiving a driver's license was a key defining moment—almost a rite of passage—in their lives. That's why Girl Scouts, as part of its overall leadership development program aligned with Firestone Complete Auto Care, a recognized leader in the automotive field, to create the unique driver's safety program entitled, "On the Road."

As part of the On the Road program, Girl Scouts between the ages of 14-17 are invited to participate in the 2008 Driver's Ed Contest by submitting a 300-word or less essay that asks a girl to picture herself as a "big shot" in the automotive industry. Girls are required to think about how they would entice high school girls to choose the automotive industry as a career path. Titled, "What's Your AUTOmatic Response?" the contest requires girls to share the tactics and messages they would use to get other girls thinking about a profession in this male-dominated industry.

The 2008 Driver's Ed contest runs now through April 3, 2008, and all entries must be accompanied by written parental and/or legal guardian authorization to be considered. One grand prize-winner and five finalists will be chosen. The winning entries will be published in an upcoming Girl Scout publication, and the grand prize-winner will be awarded a trip to the Indy 500 Race Trip in May 2008 that includes round-trip airfare for four, two double room hotel accommodations, round-trip ground transportation in Indianapolis, IN, four hospitality race tickets, and The Girl Scout Courage, Confidence and Character prize pack.

Designed for 14-17 year-old girls, On the Road is helping to develop the next generation of safe drivers and leaders by educating, empowering, and inspiring girls to practice safe driving and proper automotive maintenance, and to consider career options in the automotive industry.

"The programs, resources, and contests that we've developed throughout our partnership with the Girl Scouts encourage young women to develop a strong sense of self and gain practical life skills," said Victoria Condell, Firestone Complete Auto Care's Director of Public Affairs. "Through the Driver's Ed Contest, girls have the opportunity to learn about careers in the automotive industry and explore the many jobs available to them."

For more information on contest rules and regulations, please visit http://www.studio2b.org/flash/games/ontheroad/roadtest.html

About Firestone Complete Auto Care™
Firestone Complete Auto Care™ is owned and operated by BFS Retail and Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC). Technicians perform part repairs and replacements, routine scheduled maintenance services, and a variety of diagnostic services covering major systems within a vehicle. To learn more about driving tips and maintenance or Firestone Complete Auto Care locations, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com or call 1-800-LOCATE-US.

About Girl Scouts
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girls Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

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