March 9, 2023 – (CHICAGO, IL): Horizon Educational and The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) are proud to announce a partnership that will bring the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) to schools across the Midwest. The H2GP initiative is a global school-based science and engineering program run by Horizon Educational, providing hands-on experience designing, engineering and racing remote-controlled fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen.
Schools in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri will take part in the inaugural H2 Grand Prix (H2GP) Midwest series this spring. Students taking part gain employable skills in science and technology while also developing competence in critical thinking, creativity and teamwork. The first H2GP Midwest race will take place on March 30th in Illinois, with the top team qualifying for the World Final to be held later this year.
“Bringing H2GP to the Midwest was possible thanks to ISTC’s strong and meaningful connections with local schools”, said Kamil Jelinek, CEO of Horizon Educational. “Hundreds of schools in 20 countries are already taking part in H2GP, and we believe learners in the Midwest will love learning about renewable energy through the fun and excitement of hydrogen-powered racing”.
“We are very proud to partner with Horizon Educational and the MachH2 Hub partners to bring the H2 Grand Prix to the Midwest,” said Rebecca Goldberg, Director of ISTC Education. “ISTC has a long legacy of providing unique and engaging STEM experiences and opportunities to students throughout Illinois and we’re excited to help inspire students and develop the next generation’s workforce pipeline to support STEM-focused careers, specifically as it relates to climate science and the future of clean energy.”
The H2GP is the launchpad event for ISTC’s statewide climate series that will introduce students to a number of sciences and technologies that will impact the future of clean and sustainable energy.
Both Horizon Educational and ISTC look forward to working together in expanding renewable energy education to schools across the Midwest.
About Horizon Educational: Founded in 2003, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies began the sale of miniature fuel cells to demonstrate the technology to schools and students around the world, while investing in R&D of more advanced products and industrial applications. In 2013, Horizon Educational Group was formed as an independent division dedicated to the deployment of a complete range of educational solutions. Horizon Educational develop, produce and distribute hands-on teaching material and didactic equipment as well as online curricula and educational programs. With distributors in over 150 countries, the STEM kits and technical training equipment have an international reputation for quality, educational content and award-winning design.
About Illinois Science and Technology Coalition: The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) is a 501(c)(6)member-driven non-profit, nonpartisan organization that cultivates technology-based economic development throughout Illinois. Our mission is to measure, connect, and enrich the Illinois innovation economy. For over a decade, ISTC Education has paved the way for the next generation of innovators by connecting students to companies and developing a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline in Illinois. Through education our programs—STEM Challenges, Mentor Matching Engine, The 6 x 3 Project, and Teacher Externships—we’ve paired thousands of students and teachers from across the state with mentors from around the world.
