The International Soap Box Derby is impacting youth through STEM learning and gravity racing. We combine the two and bring our unique education programs into young people’s lives whether in the classroom, during out-of-school time or through summer or youth programs. In locations across the United State and Canada, the program encourages kids to work together and develop important skills in a fun, learning environment. Of course, this includes building and racing soap box derby cars!
I thought I’d share some highlights and accomplishments for our ISBD STEM Education Program for 2024. (I also invite you to share yours with us! Contact information to do so is below.)
AKRON AND NORTHEAST OHIO
- More than 6,200 northeast Ohio students and 590 Cub Scouts participated in ISBD STEM programs at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. This included Gravity Challenge Racing, Summer Camps and Mini Car Races.
- More than 1,800 fifth-grade students from two northeast Ohio counties (Summit and Portage) participated in the ISBD’s new STEAM Invitational program funded by a $20,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education. Team representatives also competed in the Mini Car STEAM Invitational Championship Race held in May at Derby Downs.
- We hosted a “Girls Racing to STEM” workshop for grades 5-8 in the spring at Derby Downs. The event in collaboration with The University of Akron and through the support of the Akron Community Foundation’s Women’s Endowment Fund.
ACROSS DERBY NATION
- In partnership with the Indianapolis 500 Festival, over 70 school systems and 236 fourth-grade classrooms participated in the statewide Indiana “Racing to STEM” Mini Car Soap Box Derby Championship. It was hosted by Indianapolis Director Bob Getts and Community Engagement Director Timdrick Stewart.
- In New York City, four boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Bronx) are holding ISBD-sanctioned races. Hundreds of students now participate thanks to the efforts and support of Regional Director Mark Scuderi and the late Pat Lockhart. Pat was a NYC educator and humanitarian, who is credited with founding the NYC program. She passed away earlier this month at the age of 63.
- Thousands more NYC students and educators also participate in the ISBD’s Mini Car programs due to their instrumental impact on their students’ learning and skill development in so many areas. (see video below!)
Countless other local and regional directors, educators, and volunteers contribute so much to the STEM programs in their cities and schools. We meet kids every year at the World Championships in Akron who fell in love with soap box derby racing because of a STEM program. Please share your ISBD STEM highlight with us. Each and every one of you makes a difference!
To share a story or for more information about the ISBD STEM programs and how to start one in your community, contact: Linda Hubbell, Education Director, linda@soapboxderby.org 330.733.8723 ext. 12.