The U.S. Army and Ten80 Education announced a partnership focusing on immersing students in real-life applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The U.S. Army was seeking a high-performance educational initiative that is research-based, compelling for youth and reaches a widely underserved audience. The level of engineering and teamwork on display at the race track is reflective of the Army’s leading-edge technology and the powerful, realistic training of its Army Strong Soldiers making this program the right fit for the U.S. Army and for the NASCAR STEM Initiative. A complete list of Army STEM-focused programs can be found at www.ArmyEdSpace.com. Just like today’s Soldiers, students ‘ physical, mental and emotional strength will be put to the test as they work in teams and compete to optimize performance of a 1:10 scale radio-controlled (RC) racecar. Four regions are sponsored by the Army: Boston (March 22), Dallas (April 12), Atlanta (May 3) and Charlotte, N.C., (May 12). The May 2012 National Finals will be held at the Stewart-Haas Racing Shop in Kannapolis, N.C. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Ryan Newman, driver of the Army’s #39 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevy and holder of an engineering degree, will join Tony Schumacher, driver of the Army’s NHRA Top Fuel dragster, and Antron Brown, his teammate and Top Fuel rival with Don Schumacher Racing, to participate in the regional events. Their sponsorship makes it possible for new teams to join the STEM league and to benefit from regional competitions and support events with professional mentors. Teachers benefit from professional development focused on project-based education and learn how to integrate STEM ideals into science and math classrooms. The U.S. Army also is sponsoring one winning team from each region to travel to the 2012 Ten80 National Finals in Charlotte. More info at Ten80 Education.)(U.S. Army Racing)(4-15-2012)
