LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, INC. BROUGHT STEM LEARNING TO LIFE FOR LAS VEGAS STUDENTS ON COMMUNITY DAY
Nearly 600 students from at-risk and STEM-focused middle schools took part in exclusive hands-on Formula 1 experience
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. hosted its inaugural Community Day on November 20, 2024, providing an unforgettable experience for more than 600 local students from the Clark County School District (CCSD). Students from some of the district’s most high need middle schools and those from STEM-focused programs were welcomed to an exclusive behind-the-scenes day filled with interactive learning opportunities designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers within motorsport.
Community Day featured a Q&A session with seven-time World Champion and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton who shared insights about his career and the importance of STEM skills in Formula 1. Hamilton’s own charitable organization, Mission 44, invests in solutions that empower young people to overcome social injustice and succeed, with a focus on empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM.
Stephanie Travers, Mission 44’s Impact Manager and former trackside fluid engineer with Mercedes, also shared insights about her careers and the importance of STEM skills in Formula 1. Attendees took part in hands-on activities such as interacting with a race car built by UNLV Rebel Racing and driving remote-controlled robots from FIRST Nevada, showcasing unique ways that they can remain involved in STEM as they move into high school and beyond.
“We are grateful to Formula 1 for allowing our students to see firsthand how a world-famous race shows STEM careers in action,” said Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell, Interim Superintendent of the Clark County School District. “Giving our students direct access to the race track brings classroom studies to life and exposes them to the unique opportunities and possibilities only this experience provides.”
Students also received guided pit lane tours led by Expert Hosts, a team founded by former race driver Sam Power. Comprising experienced motorsport professionals and emerging talent, Expert Hosts guided, students through STEM concepts with real-world motorsport applications. They explored the physics and chemistry of aerodynamics, fuels, and the materials used to build F1 cars. Technology sessions highlighted data analysis and real-time performance feedback. In engineering, students learned how mechanical and software systems drive F1 innovation. Through math, they saw how data analysis and modeling help teams make split-second decisions that shape race outcomes. The students gained a well-rounded view of the diverse roles that are critical to the speed, safety, and success of each race.
“We’re thrilled to create an experience that not only introduces students to the excitement of Formula 1 but also shows how many doors STEM education can open in motorsports,” said Renee Wilm, CEO of Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. “Seeing the students engage with and have a first-hand experience of the sport was a real joy. We hope it’s a day that inspires new dreams for future careers.”
The Community Day event offered students at Cannon, Cashman, Fremont, Gibson, Greenspun, Guinn, Hyde Park, JD Smith, Johnson, Lied, O’Callaghan and Orr Middle Schools a rare, behind-the-scenes look at careers in motorsport, bringing STEM concepts to life in a fun and engaging way. Students left with curiosity, ambition, and exclusive Las Vegas Grand Prix swag bags. The day’s activities encouraged students to see themselves in roles as future engineers, technologists, and innovators in fields that drive events like the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX.
