On April 30th, Ford Credit CEO Don Winkler had the honor of dedicating the first of its kind Ford Industrialist Club at The Lab School of Washington, D.C.

The Lab School is internationally recognized as a leading force in the field of learning differences. As a result of the school's innovative methodology, known as the Lab School approach, nearly every student graduates from high school and 90 percent attend colleges and universities. The Lab School Approach involves the use of an innovative "academic club" curriculum where students are immersed into their subject matter.

The Ford Motor Company Fund contributed significantly to the make the Ford Industrialist Club a reality and Winkler was there to kick it all off. He did, however, take a back seat to students who built mini-replicas of Ford race cars on their own moving assembly line. The students are learning American history, science and geography through the eyes of the industrialists, such as Henry Ford. Winkler, however, was a big hit after the assembly line presentation was over, and he presented each student with a baseball cap bearing the logo "Rev your mind."

"Just being here today, and seeing first hand the innovative lab school approach, it reminds me of when I was young and struggling with my own undiagnosed learning differences and just having to adapt on a daily basis. Even something as fun as building a race car on their very own assembly line gives the kids the confidence and skills they need to feel good about themselves," said Winkler. "I'm proud to be part of the kickoff of this wonderful facility, as it provides these students with hope for the future."

"The Ford Industrial Club is a much needed addition to our curriculum. We are especially pleased to have Don Winkler here today as proof positive that with determination and support from others, students can learn to cope with learning differences," said Sally Smith, Director, The Lab School of Washington.

After all was said and done, Winkler was glad to note it looked like the next stop for these "young industrialists" are the boardrooms and CEO offices around the globe.