The Brief
- Pinellas County Schools is hosting its first-ever all-girls basic automotive maintenance camp at Northeast High School this week.
- The four-day career exploration program teaches high school students foundational skills such as oil changes, tire safety, and battery replacements.
- Program administrators aim to empower young women and break down barriers in an industry where women comprise just 12.1% of the workforce.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – There is something very special happening at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg this week. In an effort to help young women break into a historically male-dominated field, Pinellas County Schools is hosting its first-ever girls-only Basic Auto Maintenance Summer Camp.
Running through Thursday, July 2, this unique four-day camp is giving students hands-on experience, real-world skills and a major boost in confidence.
Northeast High auto maintenance camp
What we know:
Inside the Northeast High School automotive shop, instructor Frederick Lawrence is teaching the campers foundational vehicle maintenance. By the time the four days are up, the students will have a strong grasp of automotive basics.
Key skills the campers are learning include:
- Performing oil changes
- Checking and maintaining crucial fluid levels
- Inspecting tires for safety
- Replacing batteries and windshield wipers
“Even if they don’t go into the industry, they’ll be able to take care of their own car and know what to check and what fluids are important,” Lawrence said.
Mechanical independence and empowerment
Big picture view:…