Aston University is to offer the chance of full scholarships to study mechanical engineering to the winning students at the Lenovo F1 in Schools 2024 UK National Finals.
F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit social enterprise aiming to promote the learning of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Endorsed by Formula 1, the competition was launched in 2000 to introduce STEM subjects to young people by teaching the skills required to design, make and race a miniature F1 car.
The competition is open to students aged nine to 19 years old, worldwide, and many former participants have gone on to have fruitful careers with F1 teams.
A series of regional events to find the top talent from across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales started in from November 2023 and will end in March 2024. These successful teams will go on to take part in the national stage of the competition.
In recent years, the challenge has expanded to include a range of other subject areas, including project management, sponsorship, branding and marketing. A judging panel of industry professionals will assess teams across a variety of factors including car speed, engineering quality and verbal presentation skills.
The final is being held between 10 and 12 March at Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham and will bring together more than 500 students. This year the members of the winning team will have the opportunity to interview for a full scholarship in mechanical engineering at Aston University.
Tom Milner, UK project manager at F1 in Schools, comments: “It is absolutely fantastic to work with Aston University. They have been a long-time supporter of everything we do; becoming an F1 in Schools Centre of Excellence in 2021, sharing their knowledge, experience and equipment with local schools and this new addition to our partnership provides our students with an incredible opportunity to pursue their passion for engineering on one of the highest ranked courses in the country.”
Reece Lillie, head of technical services for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University, said: “We are really excited to be furthering our relationship with F1 in Schools and strengthening the projects progression paths by offering a mechanical engineering scholarship to support the future generation of STEM professionals.
“Our longstanding involvement with F1 in Schools highlights Aston University’s purpose to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation. We do this not just by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, but also by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.”
