(Source Dallas Morning News) Cars for Kids proudly sponsors transformational symposium at Texans Can Academy – Pleasant Grove

At Cars for Kids, we believe every student deserves a second chance—and sometimes, all it takes is the right moment, the right mentor, and the right message to unlock their full potential. That belief was brought to life in an incredible way at the “Walking Into Your Future” Symposium for Young Women, hosted at Texans Can Academy – Pleasant Grove and recently featured in the Dallas Morning News.

This first-of-its-kind event, a partnership between Texans Can Academies, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Xi Omega Chapter, and Cars for Kids, welcomed over 200 young women to a powerful, purpose-driven experience designed to prepare them for life after high school.

From career planning and financial literacy to mindset coaching and self-love, students took part in hands-on workshops that offered tangible skills and emotional encouragement. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to hear from women leaders in a variety of fields and gain insight into the many pathways available to them.

“Two years ago, we started dreaming about doing something great for our girls,” said Tina Shaw, Principal of Texans Can Academy – Pleasant Grove. “This symposium was our way of building that dream—providing not just resources, but real inspiration.”

The four-hour event kicked off with motivational remarks, followed by keynote speaker Rocky “Rock-T” Turner, and a rotation of breakout sessions focused on topics like college readiness, resume writing, entrepreneurship, and mental wellness. One standout moment: during the entrepreneurship session, each girl received $20 to open a bank account at the on-site Financial Literacy Bus—just one of many ways the day prioritized both confidence and capability.

As a proud sponsor, Cars for Kids provided every participant with a backpack filled with essential hygiene items, part of our broader commitment to ensuring students have what they need both inside and outside the classroom.

“When they came to us with the idea for this event, we were all in,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of Cars for Kids. “These girls are fighting for their futures, and we want to be part of applauding that courage and equipping them with tools to succeed.”

Many of the students who attended come from underserved neighborhoods and are considered at risk for not graduating. Events like this symposium help level the playing field by opening doors to mentorship, exposure, and hope.

One 16-year-old senior, Lorena Delores, said it best:

“I think it’s important for girls to have access to programs like this because they learn so many new things. I learned what I need to do to become a real estate agent.”

We believe in driving change—one student at a time. And thanks to the power of community collaboration, mentorship, and mission-driven giving, these young women are now one step closer to their dreams.

📞 To support more opportunities like this, donate your vehicle today:

866-835-5437

🌐 Learn more at: www.carsforkids.org/social