Hyundai and USC's Collaboration: Empowering Los Angeles Youth with STEM Education

In a powerful collaboration aimed at enriching educational opportunities for local students, Hyundai Motor America has partnered with the University of Southern California (USC) to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Los Angeles. This initiative is part of Hyundai’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, focusing on community development and educational outreach.

The partnership primarily unfolds through the Joint Educational Project (JEP) at USC, where Hyundai has donated a remarkable $200,000 since 2022 to enhance hands-on STEM programs. The most recent event, the Hydrogen STEM Program, took place on October 16, 2025, and provided elementary students from South Los Angeles with a unique educational experience. This program allowed students to engage in building hydrogen-powered model vehicles and to race them on a specialized Hyundai-branded racetrack. The initiative not only stirs excitement among students but also imparts critical knowledge about sustainability and clean energy—core themes in the automotive industry today.

Branding and technology director at Hyundai, Brandon Ramirez, expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “Hyundai's partnership with USC is a reflection of our commitment to education, innovation, and community empowerment. USC JEP is an impactful program, helping college students pursue STEM degrees while also providing access to high-quality STEM education programs for elementary students.” The program has been designed to cater to the urgent need for improving science literacy by bringing real-world scientific experiences to young learners.

Focus on the Young Scientists Program (YSP) has been paramount within this partnership. The YSP adopts an inquiry-based approach that recruits USC students as teaching assistants, who work directly in elementary classrooms, enriching the science curriculum and motivating students towards scientific careers. Dr. Dieuwertje “DJ” Kast, director of STEM Education Programs at USC JEP, emphasized how Hyundai’s support empowers future educators. He stated, “This partnership inspires local classrooms with innovative science resources and mentoring, enhancing teachers' abilities to bring hands-on science inquiry and excitement into their teaching.”

Additionally, earlier in 2025, Hyundai collaborated with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability to organize a Career Trek Program. This event allowed over 20 undergraduate and graduate students to learn about potential career paths in sustainability from Hyundai employees while having a first-hand look at the IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s first-ever electric SUV.

Through its corporate initiative, Hyundai Hope, Hyundai aims to uplift communities by providing transformative educational opportunities for students. The initiative champions the principle of “Progress for Humanity” and seeks to create pathways through education that promote health, safety, and sustainability. With a reiteration of their mission, Hyundai Hope ensures that their contributions significantly impact society. This commitment to education and community support stands as a testament to Hyundai’s broader vision of a brighter future for the communities in which they operate.

For those interested in learning more about Hyundai’s community engagement efforts, additional information can be found on the Hyundai Hope website.

Overall, Hyundai's partnership with USC exemplifies how businesses can positively influence educational outcomes and empower future generations. As these students build their hydrogen-powered vehicles, they are not merely playing with models; they are igniting dreams for future careers in STEM fields and developing skills that will benefit their communities and the world at large.