The Solar Car Challenge was established in 1993 to help motivate students in science and engineering, and to increase alternative energy awareness. The Challenge teaches high school students around the world how to build roadworthy solar cars.

The Solar Education Program provides a safe environment for teams to display their solar cars. On alternating years, we share the fun of the world-famous Texas Motor Speedway or drive cross-country to share their projects with millions of people.

The 2024 Solar Car Challenge, hosted by Oncor and Lockheed Martin, is a closed-track event at the world-famous Texas Motor Speedway. Come share the fun... meet the kids and see their solar cars.

Solar Car Challenge wins D CEO's Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Award 2024

Honored in the Innovation in Education (Micro + Small) category, D CEO Magazine noted that despite its small size, the Solar Car Challenge Foundation has had an outsized impact, working with 75,000 students to promote science, engineering, and alternative energy. Staffed completely by volunteers, the organization has enough history in the region to have a board made of former students who participated in the program and has 261 ongoing projects in 39 states and five countries. With a mission to build a road-worthy solar car, the nonprofit has reached a diverse audience, participation of 48 percent female and 65 percent people of color taking part. Participants look ahead to the culmination of a race at Texas Motor Speedway, and their challenge is supported by an education initiative that teaches engineering, battery technology, aerodynamics, project management, budgeting, and fundraising. (Announcement)

Solar Car Challenge wins 2023 NBCUniversal Foundation Award

The Solar Car Challenge Foundation has been recognized by the NBCUniversal Foundation to receive a Local Impact Grant for our commitment to make a positive difference in the North Texas Education Community. Specifically, we were commended for our efforts to improve STEM Education and Youth Empowerment. (Press Release) NBCDFW covers the impact made with the NBCUniversal Foundation Local Impact Grant - check out the news report.

Technology & Learning Magazine Names The Solar Car Challenge One of America's Top 10 Most Innovative Education Programs

Choosing 10 top projects from the hundreds, thousands, and probably millions out there is, of course, nearly impossible. In the end, Technology & Learning editors settled on a mix: some are high-end and cutting edge, others are more accessible to novice technology users, and still others are old favorites that have evolved over the years. Despite the somewhat eclectic selection you'll find here, common elements include authenticity, collaboration, and the use of critical thinking skills, global implications, in-depth investigations, and a very high student motivation and engagement factor. All in all, we hope you'll find the following projects compelling, worthy of emulation, and exciting examples of ways 21st century technologies are reinventing the concept of "school." (more info)