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HAMMOND, LA— Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) recently partnered with Girl Scouts
Louisiana East (GSLE) to host an interactive, hands-on Car Care Badge workshop, equipping local middle and high school students with essential vehicle safety and maintenance skills.
The event brought together GSLE Girl Scouts in grades 6–12 for a practical, interactive morning focused on automotive literacy and career exploration. During the workshop, NTCC’s Department Chair for Automotive and Diesel Programs and Instructor David Rayburn welcomed students under the hood, guiding them through identifying vital car parts, and introduced fundamental maintenance techniques. He provided the participants with information on the best ways to handle roadside emergencies such as flat tires and overheated engines.
In addition to technical skills, participants learned critical road safety strategies from guest speaker April
Higgins, Destination Zero Deaths North Shore Regional Transportation Safety Coordinator. Higgins
spoke to the GSLE Girl Scouts about safe driving practices.
The educational experience also highlighted eco-friendly driving practices, exploring how proper routine
maintenance and conscious driving styles can increase fuel efficiency by up to 30%. Mr. Rayburn also educated the participants on the evolving differences between traditional engines and modern hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.
Participating 9th and 10th-grade GSLE Girl Scouts earned their official Car Care badge, while all other
participants received a fun patch commemorating the experience.
"Partnering with Girl Scouts USA allows us to open our doors and show young women that practical
automotive knowledge—and even a career as a mechanic or technician—is fully within their reach," said
Hammond Area Campus’s Dean of Campus Administration, Sandy Yaeger. "It was an exciting morning of hands-on learning, confidence building, and empowerment."
After the Car Care Badge workshop, participants toured the rest of the programs offered at the Hammond Area Campus. This allowed them to explore other STEM careers.
“It was great visiting the Northshore Technical Community College Hammond Area Campus,” said Tracy
Yoes, Girl Experience Specialist, Girl Scouts Louisiana East (GSLE). “Our Girl Scouts learned so much
about car maintenance from Mr. David. April Higgins made a big impact about Destination Zero Deaths, that Girl Scouts realized they need to speak up to their family and friends about safe driving habits. The girls saw so many STEM related careers and opportunities and are better prepared for what their future holds! It was a GREAT experience!”
For more information about upcoming community programs or workforce training opportunities at Northshore Technical Community College, please visit www.northshorecollege.edu.
For more information about Girl Scouts USA visit www.girlscouts.org.
For more information on Destination Zero Deaths visit www.destinationzerodeaths.com.
