All-Girls STEM Team from Boyle Heights Races Hydrogen Cars at World Competition
Key Ideas
- Las STEMateras, an all-girls team from Boyle Heights, competes in the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final, showcasing their bright pink hydrogen-powered car.
- The team, sponsored by SoCalGas, aims to promote gender equity in STEM fields and inspire young Latinas to pursue careers in clean energy and aerospace engineering.
- The competition highlights the importance of clean energy vehicles like hydrogen fuel cell cars in California's goal to achieve a zero carbon footprint by 2045.
- Teacher coach Israel Hernandez's passion for providing STEM opportunities to the community led to the success of Las STEMateras and their journey to the world finals.
An all-girls STEM team from Boyle Heights Solis S.T.E.M. Magnet High School, known as Las STEMateras, is participating in the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final, a major hydrogen competition bringing together 45 student teams from 13 countries at the Anaheim Convention Center. Las STEMateras, with their self-designed bright pink hydrogen-powered car, is among the four all-girls teams to qualify for the finals. The competition involves racing hydrogen-powered, remote-controlled cars, with the winning team being the one that completes the most laps in six hours.
The team members, including 16-year-old Diana O. and 10th grader Anggie L., showcase their dedication to STEM by practicing after school and on weekends to perfect their car. With a vision to empower Latinas in male-dominated fields like STEM, they aim to excel and inspire others. Las STEMateras' participation is supported by SoCalGas, reflecting efforts to promote racial and gender equity in the workplace.
The competition's focus on clean energy aligns with California's goal of achieving a zero carbon footprint by 2045. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are seen as the future of transportation, with potential job creation and environmental benefits. Las STEMateras' involvement in the event provides them with exposure to the clean energy sector.
Teacher coach Israel Hernandez's commitment to offering STEM opportunities to his community has been instrumental in Las STEMateras' success. The team's journey to the world finals highlights the importance of diversity, innovation, and education in shaping the future of clean energy and aerospace engineering.