Montgomery students tackle future mobility challenges in Hyundai-backed STEM program
On November 21, middle school students from Montgomery Public Schools presented innovative solutions for the future of transportation at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) headquarters.
The event marked the conclusion of the "Manufacturing the Future with Hyundai" program, which challenges students to develop sustainable mobility concepts for the year 2050.
The program, a collaboration between HMMA, Montgomery Public Schools, and Ed Farm, is designed to equip students with essential STEM skills while addressing workforce demands in Alabama’s expanding automotive industry.
Over a nine-week curriculum, students developed prototypes and concepts, culminating in a Celebration of Learning event where top teams pitched their ideas to Hyundai engineers and industry experts.
Recognizing innovation
Five teams from Montgomery Public Schools were recognized for their exceptional projects:
1st Place: Baldwin Arts & Academics
2nd Place: Brewbaker Middle School
3rd Place: Johnnie Carr Middle School
4th Place: Bellingrath Middle School
5th Place: Floyd Middle Magnet School
The students’ efforts showcased creative solutions to challenges in transportation sustainability and innovation.
Bridging education and industry
Alabama’s automotive sector, which contributes $70 billion annually and supports thousands of jobs, highlights the need to foster future talent. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, 2,200 new jobs were added in assembly plants between 2022 and 2023. Programs like "Manufacturing the Future with Hyundai" aim to meet this demand by inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.
Scott Posey, Public Relations Manager at HMMA, emphasized the broader mission of the initiative:
“This is only one of the many noble partnerships we have with the Montgomery Public School System. It’s not just educators who have a responsibility to make sure our students are prepared for the future, we in industry have a responsibility for this as well. They’re our future workforce. This course isn’t about selling Hyundais, it’s about selling the importance of STEM learning and education to students who need these skills to be successful, whether in automotive manufacturing or any other high-tech industry.”
The program offered hands-on learning experiences that encouraged students to tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of mobility and sustainability.
Candyce Monroe, Head of Learning Programs at Ed Farm, highlighted the students' achievements:
“These students have gone above and beyond—mastering new digital skills, thinking boldly, and tackling real-world challenges at the intersection of mobility and sustainability. Ed Farm is deeply grateful to Hyundai for partnering with us and Montgomery Public Schools to provide this experience for students and for creating this new curriculum. Their partnership has created a platform where students can not only dream big, but also actively design innovative mobility solutions that pave the way for a better future.”
Jamie Wilson, Interim Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, commended the participants:
“We’re so proud and honored to have Hyundai and Ed Farm as our educational partners. The work they’re providing to our students and educators is not only transformative but aligns perfectly with our 21st century curriculum. MPS is extremely proud of our scholars and we’re so excited to share this celebration with our community.”
