Kentucky elementary schools compete in UK’s 5th annual GEN-EV race

Eight student teams from across the Commonwealth gathered May 2 at the Orange Lot of Kroger Field for the annual GEN-EV electric car race, hosted by the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER).

Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary School competed with two teams that took both first and second place in this year’s competition. Cassidy Elementary finished third. Other participating elementary schools included Rise STEM Academy for Girls, Duff-Allen Central Elementary School (Floyd County) and East Calloway Elementary School (Calloway County).

The GEN-EV program teaches students engineering and team-based skills while they design, build and race electric vehicles. The program is a partnership with GreenpowerUSA and was previously supported by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.

“The question that totally frames the impact of the GEN-EV program is, ‘How many fourth graders do you know that can read a wiring diagram and wire a car?’” said Shiela Medina, CAER’s assistant director for policy and engagement and GEN-EV program director. “One student told me she was teaching her dad about wrenches. Over the five years of the program, we have touched the lives of well over 1,000 students across the state, brought an awareness of the environmental impacts of our actions, an understanding of the energy transition occurring around us and so much more.”

During the competition, students race vehicles they have spent a semester building as part of an afterschool club. Elementary school teams race Goblin cars with speeds topping out at 15 miles per hour.  

The program focuses on hands-on technical efforts, including troubleshooting complex electrical design and understanding physics concepts like aerodynamics and friction. Students also learn to fundraise for their teams by making presentations to local companies for sponsorships.

“We have encouraged elementary schools across the Commonwealth to start preparing now for next year’s GEN-EV competition,” said Rodney Andrews, Ph.D., director of CAER. “This program is a vital way for students to learn the hands-on technical and team-based skills required to be a part of Kentucky’s STEM and energy future. As our state continues to grow its leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing, we are proud to help spark the curiosity that will inspire the next generation of the Commonwealth’s workforce.”

Learn more at gen-ev-racing.org.