For more information:
Erica Erland, Clark Public Utilities
360-992-3238, [email protected]
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES HOSTS SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE, AN ENGINEERING AND DESIGN COMPETITION FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
VANCOUVER, WA – March 6, 2019– After months of preparation, more than 175 teams of local elementary, middle and high school student will put their handmade solar cars to the test during the second annual Solar Car Challenge hosted by Clark Public Utilities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 9 at Hudson’s Bay High School.
“The Solar Car Challenge is an engaging and hands-on approach to teaching students at every grade level about renewable energy, engineering and design. It also opens their minds to careers in those fields,” said Heather Allmain, communication services manager for Clark Public Utilities. “These teams spent months working on their cars; and Saturday is their opportunity to demonstrate ingenuity and celebrate their efforts.”
The Solar Car Challenge combines the research and exhibition of a science fair with the racing and fun of a pinewood derby. Winners across a variety of categories will be presented with trophies and medals.
• A showcase of close to 175 solar/battery hybrid cars created by local students at every age group
• Students poster presentations will show the engineering and design decision making that guided the construction of a working, custom hybrid battery solar car.
• Clark Public Utilities and technical industry professionals will interview teams about their projects
• Live races, with individual heats set for grade levels
The Solar Car Challenge is made possible through voluntary contributions to the utility’s Green Lights program and partnerships with WaferTech and Columbia Credit Union. Green Lights supports local educational efforts led by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s CE – Clean Energy, Bright Futures program, formerly Solar 4R Schools, and funds development of renewable energy resources like wind, solar, biomass and geothermal projects.
Utility customers and local businesses can support ongoing student education programs, including the annual Solar Car Challenge by signing up for Green Lights for as little as $1 per month. Contributions are voluntary, flexible and can be stopped at any time. For more information visit www.ClarkPublicUtilities.com.
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 200,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 35,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information at ClarkPublicUtilities.com or by calling 360-992-3000 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clark Public Utilities has been ranked highest in customer satisfaction among mid-size utilities in the west by J.D. Power for eleven years in a row. More at JDPower.com.
About CE – Clean Energy. Bright Futures
CE is a national clean energy, career connected education program from Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Together with schools, educators and industry, we strive to build a clean energy future to ensure that our communities and the environment are thriving and resilient. We work to expand access to opportunities for all students regardless of their geography, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. CE is funded by corporations, regional utilities, and philanthropic organizations. To date, our funders have impacted more than 180,000 students nationwide through CE programming. For more information, visit CEbrightfutures.org.
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