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International Soap Box Derby receives grant to expand STEM education in Summit County schools

The grant will benefit more than 900 students across seven districts.

AKRON, Ohio — Students within the Summit County school system will soon be able to learn all about STEM through the International Soap Box Derby. 

ISBD just recently received a $30,000 grant from the Summit County Community Development Block Grant to expand education programs in science, technology, engineering, and math. According to the derby, more than 900 students across seven schools within the county will benefit from the grant. 

County Executive Ilene Shapiro issued the following statement:

"The Soap Box Derby Mini Soap Box Derby Car STEM Education Program is a special opportunity for students to learn about science and technology while completing exciting, hands-on learning. Summit County is proud to sponsor this program for local students and happy to once again partner with ISBD, an organization committed to supporting both fun and educational activities."

RELATED: Soap Box Derby cancels July championship races in Akron due to COVID-19

Several schools will participate in the Mini Soap Box Derby Car STEM Education program, where they will learn about valuable STEM concepts such as force, friction, and gravity.  The remaining schools will take part in the derby's Gravity Racing Challenge (GRC), utilizing creativity and engineering skills to construct the ideal race- car with STEM principles in mind.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the County of Summit with the CDBG grant," Mark Gerberich, ISBD president and CEO, said. "This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate with local schools in Summit County on STEM learning and problem-solving."

The International Soap Box Derby was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans to return in 2021.

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