Homestead-Miami Speedway has been home to some of the greatest racing in professional motorsports since 1995. The Speedway teamed up with Ford STEAM Experience on Sunday, Oct. 15, to host more than 100 members of Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida to put on a different kind of racing event, the second annual Girls’ Fast Track Races for the council.
Commencing in 2016, the Girls’ Fast Track Races has encouraged girls to embrace the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). The overall goal is to give Girl Scouts across the country the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences when it comes to learning the basics of engineering and design.
Prior to the event, participants were tasked with building mini-wooden racecars with the objective of using aerodynamics and weight distribution principles. The Girl Scouts then put their cars to the test in head-to-head races on a mini-track to see whose car was the fastest.
“Girl Scouts and Ford know that investing in girls in STEAM is an investment in the future,” said Chelsea Wilkerson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. “The Girls’ Fast Track Races give girls the opportunity to explore STEAM while having incredible fun. This exciting event inspires girls, while giving them a hands-on opportunity to develop their skills. Homestead-Miami Speedway is the ideal location for this event — the home of a championship that moves at the speed of girls.”
Ford’s Girls’ Fast Track Races offered the Girl Scouts a creative platform to apply and showcase their STEAM knowledge, ultimately preparing them for their futures in high-tech fields.
“We were encouraged to see the engagement and turnout of Girl Scout participants at this weekend’s race challenge,” said Jenny Caruso, Ford STEAM experience brand manager. “At Ford, we are deeply committed to education, and hope through creative programs such as the Girls’ Fast Track Races, to spark a level of excitement like we saw today among the youth — and inspire them to pursue future careers in STEAM fields.”
Ford continues to expand its collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA. Earlier in October, Ford announced the Girls’ Fast Track Races experience will now exist in eight Girl Scout councils, up from four, reaching hundreds of Brownies and Juniors in Florida, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey and Texas.
To learn more about Ford’s STEAM efforts, visit fordsteamexperience.com.
The 2017 Ford Championship Weekend will be Nov. 17-19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
