Youth and community outreach is integral to the mission of AVTCs. These competitions enable teams to forge connections within their communities and expand their influence beyond the university, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders and driving broader impact. Through the Communications Program, the Communications Managers rally their teams to promote STEM Education to underserved K-12 audiences and engage their local communities.
During Year 2 of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, Communications Managers and their teams conducted 42 Youth Outreach Events with audiences as young as three years old. Teams engaged with over 18,000 youth in underserved communities across North America, igniting curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and building a foundation for lifelong learning.
The youth outreach events conducted highlighted the interconnectedness of EV awareness and STEM, showcasing them as accessible and engaging areas. With a strong emphasis on the collaborative nature of science, the events featured a myriad of hands-on activities that promoted teamwork and collective problem solving. From building go-karts, designing a robot, learning about simulated driving to coloring sheets and drawing your dream car – the Communications Managers covered a wide range of activities specifically designed for their target audiences.
Year 2 outreach also featured 17 unique events with over 28,000 local community members of all ages and background. From a deaf and hard-of-hearing population, to a 65+ community, teams successfully made an impact on a wide range of community members interested in learning about EV technology.
As we look to the future, initiatives like the EcoCAR EV Challenge are essential in shaping a diverse, innovative, and skilled STEM workforce. By continuing to prioritize youth outreach, particularly in underserved communities, we can ensure that the next generation is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and lead the way in advanced vehicle technologies.
Written by: Riddhi Puranik
