NASCAR Drives STEM Learning for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
November 4, 2022
In a new initiative this year, American stock car racing company, NASCAR, is expanding STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning opportunities for its Official Youth Community Partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Over the course of the 2022 season, more than 4.6 million youth and teens nationwide can access racing-themed, educational experiences on Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s digital learning platform, MyFuture.
Launched in 2021, NASCAR’s partnership with the organization focuses on three core areas: STEM education, career development and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Together, they want to break down barriers for youth to explore sport careers and build occupational skills.
Founded in 1860, Boys & Girls Clubs of America supports all young people in "reaching their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Through nearly 5,000 Boys & Girls Clubs, the organization offers high-impact youth development programs promoting academic success, character development, leadership training and healthy lifestyles.
“To help youth meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow, we believe in offering kids and teens first-hand exposure to real-life, work experiences and training that allow them to explore their interests and passions,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “But we also know that an important part of career exploration is having fun! Through these virtual and in-person engagements, our partnership with NASCAR is opening up a world of possibilities to kids and teens around the country.”
In September, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported that proficiency levels in math (and reading) dropped for the first time in more than two decades in the US. This is especially troubling as it's estimated that 3.5 million STEM jobs will need to be filled by 2025. Additionally, the US is ranked 24th of 71 countries in science.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America youth now have access to NASCAR’s interactive content as part of efforts to address this and expose them to various employment opportunities. The content includes lessons and activities on race track design, live race broadcasts, the ‘3 Ds of Speed’ (Drafting, Downforce and Drag), as well as a multi-part video series on NASCAR pit crew training exercises. Youth earn badges on the MyFuture platform by completing challenges and activities, which range from how to broadcast a race to demonstrating the aerodynamic principle of downforce with a single sheet of paper.
In addition to NASCAR’s content, MyFuture features more than 500 self-directed activities for youth across the country. The platform was created to encourage young people to learn new skills, earn career certifications, explore different interests, share creative projects and participate in events and contests without constraints.
NASCAR’s digital integration with MyFuture allows youth across the nation to learn and engage with racing-themed, STEM learning modules without geographical or economic barriers playing a part. “In NASCAR, there are elements of STEM at work constantly across many facets of our sport and that’s especially true on race day,” said Eric Nyquist, Chief Communications and Social Responsibility Officer at NASCAR.