TORRANCE, CALIF. (Aug. 9, 2016) – Game-based learning. Augmented reality virtual field trips. Biometric eye-tracking to determine how students absorb and understand content.

Today’s classroom is evolving. The next generation of innovators crave hands-on learning experiences and working alongside professionals who share their passion. Toyota embraces this collaborative spirit and an ongoing commitment to STEM education. That’s why Toyota is partnering with Horizon Educational Group to bring the Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge to 20 California schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge is a semester-long, afterschool program focused on alternative fuels and climate change. During the unique, hands-on program, teams of high school students have the opportunity to build their own fuel cell remote control vehicles and learn first-hand about the future of fuel cell technology. The program kicks off today with a teacher training event at Toyota’s offices in Torrance, California and will cross the finish line when student teams race their fuel cells vehicles in March 2017.

“The Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge provides an opportunity to introduce the next generation of innovators to fuel cell technology,” said Doug Coleman, Toyota national vehicle marketing manager. “We hope this challenge encourages students to join Toyota in the effort to create a more eco-conscious and sustainable future.”

The customized, interactive STEM curriculum is rooted in the design principles of the Toyota Mirai, including exploring challenges and solutions Mirai engineers experienced during vehicle development, with a focus on renewable energy technology. In addition to support from Toyota fuel cell engineers, the students will be coached by trailblazing Mirai owners and work with members of a Toyota NASCAR Pit Crew for their final race.

Participating schools include 10 each from Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Several schools contain largely multicultural – Hispanic, African-American or Asian-American – student bodies. The participation of these schools reaffirms Toyota’s commitment to supporting innovators from all communities and backgrounds. Participating schools are in development, with the following confirmed:

Los Angeles:

• Oakwood School
• San Pedro High School
• Banning Academies of Creative & Innovative Sciences
• Fremont Math and Science Technology Magnet
• West Adams Prep High School
• Chaminade High School
• Downtown Business Magnet
• Hamilton High School
• Beverly Hills High School

Orange County:

• Irvine High School
• Mater Dei
• University High Irvine
• Mission Viejo High School
• El Toro High School
• Edison High School
• John F. Kennedy High School
• Cornelia Connelly School
• Servite High School

Horizon Educational is dedicated to providing fun and meaningful learning experiences through adapting innovative technologies into classrooms while maintaining robust academic standards. Passionate about sustainability, Horizon puts the learning experience in the context of how to solve the big challenges of the 21st century.