Schools in the UAE will challenge students to design, build and race electric vehicles as part of their studies and prepare them for a pathway to careers in motorsport and electric vehicle engineering.
More than 10,000 students in Europe, the US and Asia each year participate in the Greenpower program, which uses the thrill of motorsports to help them excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
This practical study program enables young people from primary school to university to develop the skills needed to build a motorsports career, work as an engineer, and team management or other key roles.
Dubai-based motorsports and motorsports consultancy Pole Position, together with the Greenpower Education Trust, launched the challenge in the UAE, starting with 41 GEMS education schools.
Participating schools will team up to design and build the electric kit car provided by trust, a UK-based charity that has been running the project for more than 20 years.
The team of three drivers and support staff will culminate in the Formula 24 electric car race for juniors aged 11-16 at the Dubai Autodrome.
“We are delighted to be partnering with GEMS Education, who have committed 41 schools to the Greenpower program,” said Ryan Trutch, founder and CEO of Pole Position.
“We share the belief that the Greenpower program will spark a huge interest among students in the future of motorsports and gain support from teachers to continue their motorsports-related activities.
“We are in discussions with GEMS Education to launch the program with corporate sponsorship support later this year as part of the company’s CSR and ESG activities,” Trutch added.
Beginning in September, Greenpower will introduce students to the basic mechanical and electrical knowledge that will allow them to build an electric kit car to compete in Formula 24.
To date, more than 2,500 teams have taken part in the Greenpower scheme, which was highlighted in a report by the Hamilton Commission – set up by seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton – as an initiative to help improve racing. Sports diversity items.
Matthew Tompkins, Director of Student Employment at GEMS Education, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project as we continue to promote sustainable development for all students at GEMS Education. The program complements the work our schools are doing and builds on our transport supply STS Group is committed to reducing carbon emissions and minimizing its impact on climate change.
“It is determined to drive change and, with the introduction of biofuels, has already started reducing the carbon footprint of its fleet. The lessons our students learn through participation in such activities will influence the decisions they make as the leaders of tomorrow .” – trade arab news agency