Preparation for the International Soap Box Derby’s STEM Gravity Racing Challenge and Summer Camp in Akron, Ohio is underway! We are excited to share this information and invite you, your school or youth organization to participate in these fun, gravity-racing, STEM learning opportunities at historic Derby Downs.
If you live outside the northeast Ohio/Akron region, and you want to start a program at your school/organization, or if you currently run a program in your community, and you’d like to be featured here, please contact ISBD Education Director Linda Hubbell at 330.733.8723 ext.12 or linda@soapboxderby.org
“From an academic standpoint, the students get all the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) from gravity, friction, aerodynamics, drag, and other components related to design, alignment, etc. But what I love most is they learn teamwork, delegation, responsibility and genuine friendship with others. My high school students enjoyed mentoring and assisting the Barberton Middle School GRC teams in preparation for their race.”
GRAVITY RACING CHALLENGE
The 15th annual Akron Gravity Racing Challenge (GRC) STEM Team Competition gives students in grades 3-12 the opportunity to build mini- and full-size Soap Box Derby cars, where they learn STEM principles and teamwork. Each group or school then competes against other schools and youth organizations in Ohio and surrounding states.
Location: 1000 George Washington Blvd. Akron, OH 44312
Preparation starts now! Learn more and register today!
Start a team at your school or youth organization
Mark your calendar now for these important GRC dates:
Car Drop-Off Dates:
April 23-26 & 28-29, 2025 9 am-4 pm
Car Workshop Date:
Saturday, April 26 9 am -3 pm
Team Days:
April 30, May 2, May 5-9
High School Race:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Grades 3-8 Race:
Saturday, May 10, 2025
STEM SUMMER CAMP
STEM Summer Camp is fun, skill-building opportunity for kids, ages 8-13, offered at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.
Dates: June 9-13, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day
Location: International Soap Box Derby, 1000 George Washington Blvd. Akron, OH 44312
- Race a Soap Box car daily down Derby Downs Track
- Meet and make new friends
- Design, build, race, and take home a Mini Soap Box car
- Participate in a variety of fun, hands-on STEM projects
- Invite family & friends to attend Friday’s Family Day where they will watch and cheer their racers during the Mini Car and full-size Soap Box Derby Championship races
To share a story or for more information about these ISBD STEM programs and/or how to start one in your community, contact
Linda Hubbell at 330.733.8723 ext.12 linda@soapboxderby.org
VOLUNTEER
We’re always looking for volunteers, as well. Whether you’re interested in helping out with a STEM program, an event at Derby Downs, or the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships in July, get started at the link below. And we offer community volunteer credits!
Volunteer – International Soap Box Derby