Hyundai Student Fellows Pitch Their Prototypes in a Showcase That Recognizes Innovation Montgomery, AL –
On Thursday, November 21, approximately 200 middle school students on teams from five Montgomery Public Schools were selected to pitch their projects and be recognized as top Hyundai Student Fellows at the highly anticipated Awards Night for the Manufacturing the Future with Hyundai program. Held at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) headquarters, the event celebrated the innovative ideas of young minds from this year’s second cohort as they addressed the challenge of designing sustainable and innovative mobility solutions for humans living in 2050. Founded in partnership with Apple and Alabama Power Foundation, Ed Farm is an organization that empowers educators, students, and adult learners to not only thrive in today’s digital age but prepare for tomorrow's advancements.
The STEM (science, tech, engineering and mathematics) program Manufacturing the Future with Hyundai launched in 2024 in partnership with HMMA, Montgomery Public Schools and Ed Farm to address a critical need in Alabama's automotive sector. The nine-week curriculum was developed by Ed Farm and challenged students to conceptualize future-forward mobility solutions, while equipping them with essential STEM skills. The program offers immersive, hands-on learning experiences that dive into the future of mobility. The experience culminated with Student Fellows showcasing their innovative prototypes at a Celebration of Learning, and for the first time ever, the top five teams presented to Hyundai's automotive engineers and industry professionals. “
We’re so proud and honored to have Hyundai and Ed Farm as our educational partners. The work they’re providing to our students and educators is not only transformative but aligns perfectly with our 21st century curriculum. MPS is extremely proud of our scholars and we’re so excited to share this celebration with our community,” shared Jamie Wilson, Interim Superintendent, Montgomery Public Schools.
Scott Posey, Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, said “This is only one of the many noble partnerships we have with the Montgomery Public School System. It’s not just educators who have a responsibility to make sure our students are prepared for the future, we in industry have a responsibility for this as well. They’re our future workforce. This course isn’t about selling Hyundais, it’s about selling the importance of STEM learning and education to students who need these skills to be successful, whether in automotive manufacturing or any other high-tech industry.”
Candyce Monroe, Head of Learning Programs, Ed Farm shared, “These students have gone above and beyond—mastering new digital skills, thinking boldly, and tackling real-world challenges at the intersection of mobility and sustainability. Ed Farm is deeply grateful to Hyundai for partnering with us and Montgomery Public Schools to provide this experience for students and for creating this new curriculum. Their partnership has created a platform where students can not only dream big, but also actively design innovative mobility solutions that pave the way for a better future.”
Five Montgomery Public School teams were chosen to pitch to Hyundai among nine total. Winners included:
● Baldwin Arts & Academics (1st Place)
● Brewbaker Middle School (2nd Place)
● Johnnie Carr Middle School (3rd Place)
● Bellingrath Middle School (4th Place)
● Floyd Middle Magnet School (5th Place)
With Alabama's automotive sector generating over $70 billion in annual economic impact and supporting 47,000 direct jobs, this initiative aims to close the talent gap in the industry. Jobs in auto manufacturing are rapidly growing, with 2,200 new positions created in assembly plants between 2022 and 2023 alone, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. The state’s concentration of skilled labor and strong industry presence underscores the need to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators.
For more information about Ed Farm and its initiatives, visit www.edfarm.org. For more information about Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, visit https://www.hmmausa.com
. About Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., is an independent manufacturing operation of Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, Korea. HMMA currently produces the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson and Santa Cruz, sport adventure vehicle. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 900 Hyundai dealerships across North America.
About Ed Farm Launched in partnership with Apple and Alabama Power Foundation in 2020, Ed Farm empowers educators, students, and adult learners to not only thrive in today’s digital age, but prepare for the advancements of tomorrow. Through tech-focused programming, learning environments, and tools, Ed Farm is on a mission to close the growing digital skills gap in under-resourced communities. While Ed Farm is proudly and intentionally headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, we partner with school districts and municipalities across the southeast. Learn more at edfarm.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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