As a way of educating the city’s youth on how to refuel
America on clean and alternative energy, Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is
sponsoring the 3rd Annual Solar Grand Prix competition on April 21st, 2012. The race will be
held at El Dorado Park on the corner of Willow and Studebaker Road.
Councilwoman Schipske and her Solar Sustainability
Taskforce established the Solar Grand Prix three years ago as a way to involve students. Over
the past two years, more than 600 students and coaches have participated in the event.
Students throughout the community build miniature vehicles for the Solar Grand Prix. After
attending a mandatory orientation on Solar Energy, students received a “Solar Car Kit”, which
included a solar panel and an electric motor. Students have the creative leeway to design and
build their cars by using their own resources, in order to compete in the categories of “Fastest
Car”, “Best Overall Design”, “Most Innovative Design”, and “Best Green Design”.
This year’s competition will feature 228 students divided into 57 teams. A coaches’ race will
also run for the grand finale.
Councilwoman Schipske has raised private funds from individuals and sponsors to pay for the
solar car kits, t-shirts, and awards. Sponsors of the event include Signal Hill Petroleum, P2S
Engineering, Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Fire Fighters Association, Ameco Solar, Segue to
Solar, Waste Management, Solagex, Dr. Walter, Keesal Young and Logan, and the Long Beach
Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Union
Local 630, constructed the two racetracks.
For more information about the Solar Grand Prix, log on to
www.longbeach.gov/district5/solargrandprix/, or contact Rachel Powers in the Office of
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 562-570-6932 or rachel.powers@longbeach.gov
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List of Participating Schools for Solar Grand Prix 2012
St. Cornelius Catholic School
Marshall Academy of the Arts
Bethany Lutheran School
Newcomb K-8 Academy
Westerly School
St. Joseph Elementary School
Jackie Robinson Academy
Bancroft Middle School
St. Pancratius Parish School
Patrick Henry Elementary School
Jordan High School Freshman Academy
Lakewood High School
Boy Scout Troop 67
Millikan High School
California Academy of Math and Science
Polytechnic High School
Turner Christian High School
Rosie the Riveter Charter High School