The Renewable Fuels Foundation has proudly partnered with Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) to expand ethanol education and outreach to a growing audience: women who are actively engaged in car buying, maintenance, and repair.
Founded in 2013 by Patrice Banks, GAC equips women, also known as “shecanics,” with the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their automotive experiences. Through hands-on education and real-world application, GAC helps women make informed decisions while also encouraging greater representation across the automotive industry.
“The Girls Auto Clinic Car Care Workshop is an in-depth, interactive and fun way for women to learn about their cars, what maintenance they can do to prolong the life of their car (and save money), how to talk to a mechanic, and what to do in an emergency,” said Banks. “And with RFF’s support, we’re able to reach even more women across the country.”
This collaboration introduces women to the benefits of ethanol, including cost savings, cleaner air, and the advantages of higher blends like E15 and E85. To date, RFA has sponsored multiple Car Care Workshops across the country, each providing a practical, approachable way to connect fuel education with everyday driving decisions.
The partnership has also extended beyond workshops. Banks has joined RFA on stage at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, sharing her perspective on consumer education, brand-building, and reaching new audiences in meaningful ways.
Supporting the Next Generation: Girl Scouts Car Care Workshops
This summer, the partnership is growing to reach the next generation of drivers. RFF is sponsoring a series of three Girl Scouts Car Care Workshops delivered by Girls Auto Clinic and the Shecanic Foundation, serving close to 100 girl scouts through hands-on automotive education, including tire and fluid checks, dashboard warning lights, and roadside safety.
Scouts will learn how to check tire pressure and tread depth, interpret dashboard warning lights, perform basic fluid checks, and determine when a repair can be handled at home versus when a mechanic visit is warranted. Roadside safety and emergency preparedness are also covered, giving young drivers the skills and confidence to handle the unexpected on the road. Participating scouts will receive an unofficial special patch for their vests, and the workshops fulfill the hands-on component of their official Car Care Badge journey.
Follow Along with the Partnership
From firsthand workshop experiences to practical fuel-saving tips, these blogs dive deeper into the partnership and what it means for both organizations:
- Gas Station Myths That Are Costing You Money: Common fuel myths debunked, plus why E15 is worth the switch
- Wheels, Women, and a Workshop Worth Waking Up For: RFA's firsthand account of attending a GAC workshop [insert image of Patrice speaking to the group to the right and link]
- Revolutionizing Car Care: Girls Auto Clinic and RFA Join Forces for a Greener, Knowledgeable Future: Girls Auto Clinic's feature on the partnership
Be sure to follow Girls Auto Clinic on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn for updates. You can also read their Shecanic blog here.
