Pupils are being challenged to build their own electric car and burn up the track with an education trust bursary to encourage east London youngsters to take up science and engineering careers.
The Greenpower Trust is offering to help pay for schools in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Westminster to enter the national challenge to design, build and race their own electric car.
“This challenge aims to develop team-building and give underprivileged youngsters a renewed focus and goals to aim for,” Greenpower’s chief Jeremy Way said.
“Involving youngsters with these challenges helps children realise that studying science and maths can lead to exciting jobs like engineering.”
The bursary scheme aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils aged 11 to 14 uses motorsport to inspire pupils with science, technology, engineering and maths.
The Greenpower bursaries are being paid for by Siemens technology, whose chief executive Juergen Maier said: “We are removing barriers by getting disadvantaged communities to take part in this engineering challenge and giving youngsters the chance to advance their education.”
The new bursary funding means that schools unable to afford to take part in the Greenpower challenge can buy the kits at half price.
They can apply for the bursary to get a £500 grant for tools, helmets, materials and transport, as well as a 50 per cent discount on the car kit itself and £500 for travel and accommodation for the grand final in October next year.
Tower Hamlets and Newham schools meeting the criteria can email Greenpower Trust rust at info@greenpower.co.uk.
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