Good Vibes, Great Futures: A Partnership Driving Student Success
Good Vibes Garage is more than just a place for car detailing and care. It is a hub of passion, education, and a story of community investment. This dedication is fueled by Cory Shephard, co-owner of Good Vibes Garage, and his commitment to making a difference through his partnership with the Academies at Southern High School at Jefferson County Public Schools.
Cory is no stranger to Southern High School. He’s an alumnus who walked the hallways long before the Academies of Louisville launched. Today, his son Evan is following in his footsteps, but with an important distinction. Evan is a senior in the Automotive Engineering Academy at Southern, a pathway that wasn’t available when Cory was a student. Reflecting on his son’s journey, Cory shares, “During Evan's time in school, he wasn’t even sure that this is something that he wanted to do. So he ended up choosing Southern simply because that’s where I went and he wanted to follow in my footsteps. And he did the automotive class and kind of started falling in love with it.”
This story highlights a crucial point: not every student takes a traditional classroom route to success. Pathways like the Automotive Engineering Academy offer hands-on opportunities that allow students to discover their interests and talents. Cory emphasizes, “Having these things available to the kids is of the utmost importance. Because not everyone’s a classroom kid, either.”
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce, One Student at a Time
Cory and Good Vibes Garage have become active partners with the Academies of Louisville. For Cory, the decision to get involved was about more than just business; it was about investing in the future. “You should partner with this program because they’re investing in the future. I know that’s the reason why we did it. That’s the reason we got involved,” he explains. “I want kids to have these experiences. I want them to take these state-of-the-art shops that they’re working in every day and be able to monetize their passion right out of high school, like I would have killed to have the opportunity for.”
Good Vibes Garage has three students from the Automotive Engineering Academy co-opping this semester. According to Cory, watching these young people grow and thrive has been a profoundly rewarding experience. “The kids are growing up right before your very eyes. You have a little piece of the rest of their life, and that’s something pretty special. It is the most humbling experience you will ever, ever have in your life,” he says.
“Having these things available to the kids is of the utmost importance. Because not everyone’s a classroom kid, either.”
Beyond Financial Support: The Importance of Personal Engagement
Cory is quick to point out that being a partner is about more than just writing a check or opening your shop to co-op students. True partnership requires personal investment. Cory suggests, “Don’t just donate your money, don’t just open your shop up to co-op kids. Take yourself and take some time and go down to that school, participate in these mock interviews, be a part of these kids’ lives outside of the workforce.”
This personal engagement not only impacts the students but also provides a fresh perspective for business owners. “You’ll be surprised the kind of kids that you’ll see if you walk through their door. You’ll find the ones that are worth investing in,” he says.
By sharing their time and expertise, business partners can help shape the future of young people while finding their own inspiration in the process.
Opening Doors to Opportunity: A Challenge for Local Businesses
Cory’s story is a testament to the power of partnership. Through the Academies of Louisville, students like Evan are discovering their passions and gaining real-world skills that prepare them for successful careers. At the same time, businesses like Good Vibes Garage are benefiting from the energy and potential of these young minds.
To potential business partners, Cory offers an invitation: “Open your doors up and open your mind up a little bit and let some of these kids come in.”
By investing in the Academies of Louisville, businesses are not just building their workforce—they’re shaping the future of our community. And as Cory and Good Vibes Garage have shown, that’s a partnership polished to perfection.
