THE VISION
Greenpower Education Trust MENA is a educational programme based on the UK charity with an outstanding track record which gets young people enthusiastic about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.
The Greenpower challenge uses the excitement of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and equips them with the type of skills they will need to develop a career in motorsport, for example as an engineer or team manager.
The Programme can be integrated into schools and colleges, normally as an extra-curricular activity but it can also be included as part of the science and technology curriculum. As well as schools and colleges, youth groups, engineering clubs and even private individuals can also participate.
The Greenpower Programme involves students building an electric race car from a kit and racing it at the end of the build process – cars can either race with others from the same educational institution or alternatively, different schools or colleges can compete against each other. Each car build takes approximately 12 weeks.
Greenpower projects offer a unique and valuable stepping stone for those aspiring to careers in Formula 1 and other forms of motorsport. While F1 technology is undoubtedly more advanced, the fundamental principles, problem-solving skills, and teamwork developed through Greenpower create a solid foundation. It all adds up to create the perfect CV ready for an Internship or graduate role in Motorsport.
There are three versions of the Greenpower car kit,
adapted for different age groups:
Formula Goblin
9-11 years
Formula 24
11-16 years
Formula 24+
16-25 years
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
One of the most valuable aspects of Greenpower is the hands-on experience it provides for students.
Participants don’t just learn theory; they apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. They build cars,
troubleshoot problems, and make quick decisions during race events. This practical experience is
invaluable for future careers in Motorsport. Employers in the motorsport industry often look for
candidates who can demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge, but also the ability to apply that
knowledge in high-pressure situations.
Once the kit has been assembled, schools design their own bodywork, which then brings in considerations of factors such as aerodynamics and use of sustainable materials. A kit can be used for more than one build.
Teams for Formula Goblin normally have between 6 to 20 pupils taking part; for F24 and F24+, the team size is usually around 12 students. In addition to building the car, team members can take on a number of other roles including business, finance, media or race wear design and production. During the race finals, several team members have a chance to drive the car.
More than 10,000 students take part in Greenpower each year, from primary school age through to university, The Programme is an exciting one for students, with its emphasis on motorsport and it can help develop a more diverse workforce in science and engineering for the future – 40% of participants in Greenpower are female.
Growing numbers of international teams are participating in Greenpower events.
Companies can be involved by sponsoring a team to purchase a kit and build a car ready to race at the end of the school year. Sponsors will benefit from branding opportunities such as on the car, race venue, team clothing, project website as well as media opportunities and tailored activations at the race final.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Participation in Greenpower can influence educational choices, leading students toward relevant degree
programs like mechanical or electrical engineering. The combination of academic background and
practical experience from Greenpower projects can make candidates stand out when applying for
internships or entry-level positions in motorsport. Many F1 teams run placement schemes for students
and graduates. The hands-on experience gained through Greenpower can make applicants more
competitive for these highly sought-after opportunities.
SUPPORT US
Sponsorship of this programme will give sponsors exposure to a large target audience of parents to market its products or services, as well as helping the company to raise the profile of its CSR and ESG activities, thereby helping demonstrate its commitment to encouraging excellence and diversity. Through sponsorship of the Greenpower Programme in a school, sponsors can demonstrate their commitment to creating a better-informed population from a young age, increasing the youths’ level of scientific understanding and helping them to make a greater contribution to society.