Hyundai's Commitment to Education: Expanding Initiatives in Georgia

Hyundai's Expanded Education Initiatives in Georgia

Hyundai has recently taken significant steps to boost education initiatives in Bryan County, Georgia, through enhanced partnerships with the H2GP Foundation and the SAE Foundation. These collaborations aim to foster growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Brent Stubbs, Chief Administrative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), emphasized the company's commitment to community investment, stating, "With HMGMA operating nearby, we see it as our responsibility to give back to local organizations that are creating positive change. Education and community well-being are important causes we support, so we are thrilled to continue our impactful partnerships with these organizations."

One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the Hyundai Hydrogen RC Program, which has now entered its second year in Bryan County. This program has captured the attention and enthusiasm of students interested in renewable energy and engineering. For the upcoming year, 16 teams of students will actively participate, showcasing their innovations and skills. Recently, two of these teams even competed in the prestigious H2GP World Finals, returning with invaluable experiences that inspire their peers to strive for excellence. This involvement highlights Hyundai’s dedication to hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for future careers in renewable energy fields.

Moreover, Hyundai's collaboration with SAE International continues to flourish as it brings the award-winning A World In Motion (AWIM) program to fourth-grade classrooms across the Bryan County School District. This program makes STEM concepts engaging and practical through inquiry-based learning. For the upcoming year, more than 800 fourth graders will take part in the Skimmer Challenge, which involves designing and constructing fan-propelled paper sailboats. This challenge not only teaches critical STEM principles such as air resistance and propulsion but also connects them with Hyundai’s focus on sustainable energy practices and innovations in the automotive industry.

In addition to partnerships targeting STEM education, Hyundai is also dedicated to preserving and promoting Georgia's rich history through collaboration with the Georgia Historical Society. This partnership supports educational outreach programs that enhance teaching resources. Dr. W. Todd Groce, president and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society, stated, "Thanks to the generosity of Hyundai, hundreds of thousands of Georgia students will be able to study the history of our state and nation and thereby be better prepared to meet the challenges of the future."

Hyundai’s commitment to societal well-being extends to housing affordability as well, illustrated by its partnership with Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity. In 2023, Hyundai contributed funds to support the construction of affordable homes in the community, advancing their corporate social responsibility brand, Hyundai Hope. This initiative is centered on improving life quality within communities, making it a critical aspect of Hyundai's mission.

Since the establishment of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, the organization has significantly invested over $6 million into local communities in Georgia since 2022, demonstrating Hyundai's global vision for humanity's progress, especially in areas where they operate. Brandon Ramirez, director of corporate social responsibility at Hyundai Motor North America, affirmed this commitment by stating, "Expanding these partnerships are part of our broader goal to provide more quality learning opportunities for young people and prepare them for future success, including inspire career pathways in clean energy and the automotive industry and ignite excitement for learning."

With the establishment of significant manufacturing operations within the region, such as the HMGMA dedicated electric vehicle mass-production plant, Hyundai is investing not only in the automotive industry but also in the very fabric of community and education in Georgia. The company recognizes that the strength of its business depends on the prosperity and health of local communities, reaffirming its dedication to nurturing future generations through educational initiatives. The Hyundai Hope program and its educational outreach mark the company's commitment to uplifting communities, promoting sustainability, and supporting the education of young people, which will lay the groundwork for future innovations in the automotive and energy sectors.