AUSTIN, Texas—Next week, Bowie and Akins high school students will get the chance to talk to Mazda professionals about real-world applications of STEM used throughout Mazda’s Motorsports activities and the automobile industry.

Who: Mazda Motorsports Specialist Kyle Kimball and Mazda Motorsports factory race car driver and engineer Joel Miller

What: Through its “Racing Accelerates Creative Education” program, Mazda will show Bowie and Akins high school students real-world demonstrations of STEM applications used throughout Mazda’s Motorsports activities and the automobile industry.

Onsite at the event will be Mazda's SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel Prototype Racecar, Mazda’s professional race car driver Joel Miller in his fire-retardant driving suit and an aerodynamics demonstration using racecar components. The fully illustrated, interactive presentation is designed to help students connect how STEM is central to Mazda’s success on the race track, as well as in the marketplace.

Circuit of The Americas will also provide each student with a free ticket to attend the Lone Star Le Mans race on Sept. 19 and 20, in which Mazda Motorsports will be competing.

Event Details

Tuesday, Sept. 16                                                   8:50–10:13 a.m. and 1:17–2:40 p.m.
Bowie High School, 4103 W. Slaughter Lane              

Wednesday, Sept. 17                                              2–4 p.m.
Akins High School, 10701 S. 1st St.                           

Each presentation will include:

• Intro with Mazda promoting STEM, race car video and STEM disciplines (30 minutes)
• Question and answers with students (15 minutes)
• Autographs with Joel Miller and racecar (Outside, following presentation)

Background: Mazda is an engineering-based company that hopes to motivate the next generation of STEM superstars. Mazda’s prototype racing program would not exist without STEM.

This event corresponds with the STEM endorsement now available through graduation plans. For more information about STEM endorsements, visit www.austinisd.org/graduation-plans/endorsements/stem.

For more information, please contact the Department of Communications and Community Engagement at 512-414-2414.