Toyota says it is partnering with Horizon Educational Group to bring the Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge, a semester-long, after-school program focused on alternative fuels and climate change, to 20 California schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
During the hands-on program, teams of high school students have the opportunity to build their own fuel cell remote-control vehicles and learn firsthand about fuel cell technology. According to Toyota, the program kicked off yesterday with a teacher training event at Toyota’s offices in Torrance, Calif., and will cross the finish line when student teams race their fuel cell vehicles in March 2017.
“The Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge provides an opportunity to introduce the next generation of innovators to fuel cell technology,” says Doug Coleman, Toyota’s national vehicle marketing manager. “We hope this challenge encourages students to join Toyota in the effort to create a more eco-conscious and sustainable future.”
Toyota says the customized, interactive STEM curriculum is rooted in the design principles of the Toyota Mirai, including exploring challenges and solutions Mirai engineers experienced during vehicle development, with a focus on renewable energy technology. In addition to support from Toyota fuel cell engineers, the students will be coached by Mirai owners and will work with members of a Toyota NASCAR pit crew for their final race.
Participating schools include 10 each from Los Angeles and Orange counties.
