More STEM opportunities as Formula E and PIF launch educational project

Formula E has announced a new initiative with its partner the Public Investment Fund aimed at STEM learning and sustainability.

The ‘Driving Force presented by PIF’ programme will provide the opportunities for young people – aged eight to 18 – to explore STEM-led motorsport careers, while also learning more about sustainability, one of the core factors of the all-electric series.

The initiative will hold in-person workshops in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United States and got under way in Florida this week on the eve of the Miami E-Prix.

A workshop for up to 90 students was held at Key Gates Charter School in Miami to begin the project, with interactive and hands-on learning experiences.

‘Driving Force’ comes off the back of PIF – the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia – joining together Formula E, Extreme H and E1 last year under the umbrella of its E360 project.

“Since introducing the PIF E360 partnership last year, Formula E and PIF continue to look for opportunities to make a positive, real-world impact,” said Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of the three electric racing series.

Alejandro Agag, Chairman, Formula E

Photo by: Alastair Staley / Motorsport Images

“Driving Force Presented by PIF is an example of how PIF is not only elevating motorsports but also inspiring the next generation of talent through STEM education which plays a crucial role in inspiring future motorsport talent in sustainable mobility and green technology.”

With the first workshop taking place on Thursday, the target of the project is to engage with more than 50,000 students by the end of the year.

“We are collaborating with our partners to accelerate progress, maximize impact, and deliver powerful unified programs,” Mohammed Al Sayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, added.

“For the first time, we are bringing together Formula E, Extreme H and E1 to expand the Driving Force program and drive transformative impact by empowering youth who are the innovators of tomorrow.”

The partnership announcement comes after Formula E committed $25,000 to a green charity in Miami, while also putting on STEM projects with Girls on Track as the series marks its return to the city for the first time in five years.