Detroit students craft their own solar car for competition but need funds to get to Texas competition
A Detroit nonprofit called the Heroes' Alliance is looking for its own hero, or heroes, to help get a of group of local students to Texas next month for a competition that's all about solar cars.
Heroes' Alliance — an organization committed to providing families across urban areas in Michigan with resources, empowering youth and using education as a path to success — has been meeting with a group of approximately 20 students for months to build a solar car and compete in The Solar Car Challenge in July.
The annual STEM-based initiative, scheduled for July 10-17 this year at the Texas Motor Speedway, allows students to display and drive solar cars they've built themselves.
But the group needs to raise $30,000 to get there and cover travel expenses, along with race and entry fees. Detroit students have won the same competition the last two years.
“With our students having so many challenges such as home life, transportation, and other school activities, dedication can be a challenge, but we have an amazing group of students," said Jessica Ivey, a program assistant with the Heroes Alliance, which was founded in 2009 to provide a platform for students to succeed. “And those that are here and stay here have the ingredients to realize their full potential.”
In the past, the organization has relied on sponsors and grants to cover expenses to get to The Solar Challenge. But they're still behind in fundraising so far this year.
The competition in July would cap months of hard work. For the past seven months, the Heroes' Alliance has worked with students from not just Detroit schools but districts across Metro Detroit to meticulously craft necessary modifications to the car, to fit the track's terrain.
The solar car is powered by a battery box that is charged by sun-powered solar panels. Each battery lasts 30-45 minutes, requiring drivers to change it during the race.
Sebastian Dorn, a sophomore at Cass Technical High School, takes building the team's solar car seriously. The group has already invested 100 hours after school, juggling extracurricular activities and other conflicts, working on it.
“In terms of my attitude and responsibility towards the team, we never come in and play around. We are always working on the car and getting things done,” said Dorn. “Last year, during the race, I took on a leadership role which allowed me to experience what it is like to lead a team. I have been committed to this team and it has taught me what it truly means to be committed to something.”
The entry process for the competition is rigorous, especially when it comes to vehicle construction. Just to enter the challenge, vehicles are put through thorough tests, such as maneuvering through traffic barriers and other exercises. The cars need to pass the criteria of safety to ensure they’re both compatible with the driver and the course.
Jalin Williams-Milton, a freshman at University Prep Art and Design, says he is most “excited about the amount of opportunities this race will open up for him in the field of STEAM.”
Student teams from 39 states and territories who've designed, built, and tested electric solar vehicles will compete in this year Solar Car Challenge.
is accepting one-time and annual donations to get Detroit's team to the competition. A page also has been started.