Ford Teams Up With Popular Education Program

DEARBORN (WWJ) -- Ford is connecting with a program that millions of parents are familiar with, Box Tops For Education.

The General Mills program has raised $400 million for schools since its founding 15 years ago. Parents save box tops from General Mills products and get credits that lead to funding for their schools.

Ford has become the first auto company to allow people to earn credit for their schools by learning more about one of the company's products.

"We've been sponsoring schools around the world for quite some time," says Ford group vice president, global marketing Jim Farley. "It's part of our DNA as a company."

Farley says Ford will be a part of the box tops program for the next two months, and hopes to raise a million dollars or more for schools.

In addition to being a good community outreach program, Farley says it's a good way to connect with families.

"No doubt about it, when we ask those people what's on their mind, funding of schools is on their mind," Farley told WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert.

Ford has a separate program called Drive One 4 UR School, which has exposed many young drivers to Ford vehicles, and at the same time raised $5 million for schools.

Both sides say the Box Tops for Education tie in was a natural fit.

"The partnership with Ford is a major step for Box Tops for Education as we continue to offer new ways to activate the program beyond the packaged goods category," said Mark Addicks, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for General Mills, in a statemetn. "Ford's involvement in the program will allow us to drive needed revenue for schools across the country in a very interactive way with one of America's most storied brands."

Link: To learn specifics of Ford's connection with Box Tops for Education, go to FordDrivesBoxTops.com.

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