Ford Encourages Students to Explore STEAM Fields, Providing Inspiration with Girls’ Fast Track Races

19 Sep 2016, 00:00 AM EDT

Brownies and Juniors from the Girl Scouts Councils of Tropical
Florida, Southeastern Michigan, Northeast Texas and Northern New
Jersey to participate in track car racing via Girls’ Fast Track Races
Girls’ Fast Track Races is part of Ford’s commitment to STEAM
education through its newly launched Ford STEAM Experience – a hub
for creativity and learning
Along with launching www.fordsteamexperience.com,
this collaboration is one of the many education-focused programs Ford
offers to inspire young minds

DEARBORN, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ford Motor Company is collaborating with four Girl Scouts Councils –
Tropical Florida, Southeastern Michigan, Northeast Texas and Northern
New Jersey – on a program that offers avenues for elementary school
students to explore STEAM-related fields in science, technology,
engineering, arts and math.

Girls’ Fast Track Races is providing hands-on experience in vehicle
engineering and design to 200 Brownies and 200 Juniors from each of the
participating councils. Through the program, young girls are given the
opportunity to learn about automotive science and engineering by
building their own track race cars.

“We believe that all young children have an aptitude for technical
subjects – what’s often lacking is the encouragement and additional
support to succeed,” said Tracy Magee, Ford primary brand experiential
manager. “Ford is deeply committed to education and through creative
programs such as the Girls’ Fast Track Races, we hope to spark
excitement among the youth and inspire them to pursue future careers in
high-tech fields.”

Ford’s newly launched STEAM Experience works with longstanding Ford
programs and outside organizations to help unify, shine a light on, and
expand opportunities that inspire and enable students to pursue careers
in science, technology, engineering, art and math. It serves as a hub
for creativity and learning.

Girls’ Fast Track Races – one of the many Ford STEAM Experience programs
– is designed to provide encouragement and motivation to the four
participating councils as they work to build and race their own cars.
Race details are as follows:

Southeastern Michigan Council: 11 a.m., Oct. 15, Athletics Center
O’Rena, Oakland University Rochester Hills, Michigan
Northeast Texas Council: 11 a.m., Oct. 29, Curtis Culwell Center,
Garland, Texas
Tropical Florida Council: 12 p.m., Nov. 6, Fernandez Family Center,
St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, Florida
Northern New Jersey: venue and time to be announced at a later date

Ford knows diversity is imperative to future innovations. “As an expert
in engineering, Ford has a unique opportunity to bring this fun and
educational experience to girls and the youth-at-large,” said Magee.

Girls’ Fast Track Races gives participants the opportunity to connect
and compete at the highest level – all while sparking creativity to
ensure a brighter future, not just for Ford, but for the entire
community.

“Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas is excited to team up with Ford Motor
Company, to inspire these members who are interested in science,
technology, engineering and math,” said Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO Girl
Scouts of Northeast Texas. “Girls need opportunities to expand their
realm of what’s possible. Through this collaboration, girls will get to
explore STEAM concepts and careers as they design, test and race their
own cars.”

Johnette Hardiman, chair of the board of directors, Girl Scouts of
Tropical Florida says scouting builds courage, confidence and character.
“Our girls want to make the world a better place,” she says.

Ford’s commitment to STEAM education

For more than 30 years, Ford Motor Company has inspired young people to
seek knowledge, be curious, solve problems and – like Henry Ford himself
– make dreams of a better world come true. The company is committed to
fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, the arts and
math among American youth to help ensure the country can maintain its
legacy of innovation and continue to thrive in a global economy.

Long established programs like Ford Next Generation Learning and Ford
High School Science and Technology Program give students opportunities
for hands-on learning and mentorship. New ventures with exceptional
organizations, such as FIRST^®-Robotics, Destination
Imagination and Girls Who Code help Ford bring science, technology,
engineering, the arts and math to more students in more places. Find out
more at www.fordsteamexperience.com

About Ford Motor Company

Ford
Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company
based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 67 plants
worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford
cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury
vehicles. At the same time, Ford aggressively is pursuing emerging
opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a
leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer
experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial
services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information
regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company,
visit www.corporate.ford.com.