Detroit Students Learn How STEM Could Put Them On The Fast Track To A Career In Motorsports (Video)
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Detroit Public Schools students heard from a wide-array of professionals Thursday of how an education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics could lead to a career in motor sports.
Dozens of pre-kindergarten and fifth grade students attended a Detroit Grand Prix pre-race fair at Fleming Early Learning Neighborhood Center in Detroit to take part in racing inspired, interactive and educational activities and hear from Jessica Gamarra from Ilmor Engineering, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Driver Eric Curran and former Detroit Piston Earl Cureton.
The panelists spoke about opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering and math in motor sports, and how a career in STEM field could provide a lifetime of opportunity.
"I wish when I was your age that we had an opportunity to do what you guys are doing here," said Eric Curran, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Driver, who will race in the Grand Prix, May 29-31, and spoke highly of the work of engineers in racing. "Everything that I do in the race car, on and off the track, the whole thing, all has to do with engineers ... you guys could grow up and work on race cars for a living."
The students who took part in the event were a small representative of the nearly 700 Detroit Public School Students who are part of PNC Bank's Grow Up Great initiative and Fifth Gear program. The students, who have learned about STEM in racing in their classroom curriculum in recent weeks, will visit Belle Isle the day before racing begins for the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.
"I love the fact that we are able to tie all these students together in one common ingredient," said Bud Decker, chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, of the two programs that use racing to teach science, math and engineering.
"We need more of you that want to study this curriculum about science and engineering," Decker told the students. "To help us in designing cars and racing cars in the future. "
Since 2012, students have had the opportunity to speak with leaders in motor sports at the Raceway on Belle Isle and take part in activities based in gravity, friction, aerodynamics and safety along with seeing cars on the track.
During the event May 28, students will also be able to interact with the Cass Technical High School robotics team.
Earl Cureton, who played for the Detroit Pistons, attended the event and told the students that while playing professional sports is enjoyable, careers in sports can be short. A career in STEM can last for decades, and events such as the one held Thursday, can be beneficial for students.
"When I grew up, these opportunities weren't here," said Cureton, who is a product of Detroit Public Schools and states the programs sponsored by PNC show students how their current classes could lead to a career. "You know what you are studying for now. You know that jobs are going to be waiting for you if you apply yourself ... I just wish I had the opportunity to do this."