NASCAR, Chevrolet launch diversity scholarship contest – Nascar

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 23, 2016) — NASCAR and Chevrolet today announced the launch of the second annual NASCAR Chevrolet Diversity Scholarship Contest during a press conference at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through this initiative, NASCAR and Chevrolet continue their longstanding commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) education and promoting opportunities for college students pursuing technology related careers.

The contest challenges students to identify a technology or innovation within NASCAR and explain how STEM professionals came to its design in 90-second videos submitted on www.chevy.nascardiversity.com. Four winners will receive a total of $20,000 in scholarships and a VIP experience at Texas Motor Speedway during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on November 6, 2016.

In what has quickly become an important component of NASCAR’s diversity and inclusion platform, the scholarship program helps both organizations attract young, diverse talent to the world of motorsports. 

“STEM professionals are invaluable to our sport,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We’re proud to partner again with Chevrolet in supporting talented students who we hope one day will play an important role in our industry.”

Video submissions will be judged on technical accuracy, creativity and production quality. Examples of science and technology in NASCAR include, but are not limited to: track banking and construction, race car design, SAFER barrier walls, drafting, gas mileage, tire wear, ethanol fuel, pit road officiating and solar energy.

Ken Barrett, chief diversity officer for General Motors, announced the scholarship contest today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“At General Motors, diversity is our strength and we seek unique perspectives to infuse new ideas into all we do – keeping us on the cutting edge of technological innovation,” said Barrett. “Attracting and employing the best and brightest STEM talent from around the world places GM and Chevy in the position to win in the marketplace and the race track.”

Winners will be awarded a scholarship and an exclusive, behind-the-scenes race experience in Texas, including a tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage, pace car rides and meet-and-greets with Team Chevy drivers and Chevrolet NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Program Manager, Alba Colon.

“We’re thrilled to once again offer this scholarship opportunity for talented students,” said Colon. “NASCAR is such an innovative sport and this is a great way to get students excited about science and technology.”

To be eligible for the contest, students must be currently enrolled, at least part-time, in an accredited college or university within the United States, be between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of entry and submit a YouTube link through the scholarship website. The deadline to enter is October 15, 2016.

For more information on the NASCAR Chevrolet Diversity Scholarship Contest, please visit www.chevy.nascardiversity.com.