Montgomery Public School students design cars of the future, judged by industry experts

Last semester, 190 Montgomery middle schoolers created designs and prototypes of automobiles in 2050.

Students throughout Montgomery Public School's nine middle schools participated in the nine-week program, which culminated in a competition that was judged by experts in the industry. The students created designs for vehicles in reaction to issues facing drivers today, said Samantha Swanigan, the Montgomery-based student fellows specialist at Ed Farm.

The top team, from Floyd Middle School, came up with the idea for an autonomous-driving-capable vehicle that could help people in wheelchairs with transportation. The second-place team, from Southlawn Middle School, designed a flying vehicle to combat hectic traffic and prevent accidents.

“Students had to be innovative with the design looking at a challenge," said Sonya Floyd, the district's kindergarten-to-fifth grade math specialist.

MPS partnered with Hyundai and Ed Farm to produce the program.

The course prepares students for the workforce, teaching them skills that they could use in jobs in the automotive industry, which are particularly prevalent in the Montgomery area, said Scott Posey, the manager of public relations for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

“These are young people who are competing with their brain instead of their brawn," Posey said of the competition.

"By collaborating with Hyundai, our students gained exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry standards, preparing them for automotive design and manufacturing careers," Swanigan said in an email.

The skills students learned can be adaptable to any field but are particularly useful for STEM endeavors.

"Through prototyping and testing, students developed practical skills in digital design tools and manufacturing techniques, enhancing their employability in the local automotive industry," Swanigan said in the email.

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Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex.