Technological innovation brings the grand finale of the Toyota STEM Lab to life
Fourteen public schools showcased their creativity and technological innovation at the closing event of the Toyota STEM Lab. The innovative event tested the technological capabilities and innovation of over 40 students from across the Island.
The Toyota STEM Lab is an initiative designed to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, encouraging project development, teamwork, and creativity among students from across the Island. As a result of an alliance with Ciencia Puerto Rico, high schools with vocational and STEM programs were invited to participate in a competition that challenged them to design and build a scale vehicle using sustainable materials, giving them the opportunity to create, innovate, and transform the future.
The students had three months to design their vehicle before putting it to the test at the final event. The models were evaluated for their movement capability, load resistance, and design, demonstrating the students' talent, ingenuity, and commitment.
The final event saw the participation of 14 schools, whose teams presented their projects before a panel of professionals who served as judges. The competition unfolded in two rounds: an initial phase where students defended their proposals and tested their vehicles, followed by a final round with the top five teams, from which the three winners emerged.
The students, from different areas of Puerto Rico, had the opportunity to test the vehicles on two large tracks located in Popular Plaza at DISTRITO T-Mobile. In the different circuits, the models had to face various challenges. In addition to their creativity in design and technological capability, the students had to show their creativity by naming their model and creating a marketing slogan for it.
“At Toyota de Puerto Rico, we firmly believe that innovation begins with a bold idea. This STEM Lab is a platform for our youth to discover their potential and develop solutions that can transform our future. Investing in the education, technology, and creativity of our youth is investing in the progress of Puerto Rico,” said Dany Oliva, vice president of Toyota de Puerto Rico.
For her part, Dr. Greetchen Díaz, executive director of Ciencia Puerto Rico, highlighted the importance of initiatives like this to strengthen the country's educational ecosystem.
“Programs like the Toyota STEM Lab provide our students with the opportunity to learn by doing, experiment, and develop essential skills for the future, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.”
The event also featured the presence of the Secretary of the Department of Education, Eliezer Ramos, who joined Toyota de Puerto Rico and Ciencia Puerto Rico in presenting awards to the winning schools. First place went to Elvira Colón Negrón School in Santa Isabel, while second place went to Papa Juan XXIII School in Bayamón, and third place to Pedro Albizu Campos School in Ponce.
The Secretary of the Department of Education of Puerto Rico (DEPR), Eliezer Ramos Parés, attended the event and spoke about the positive impact of projects like these on students: “I recognize the work of our schools, students, teachers, and directors who supported this project. I also thank Toyota, who came to us and said: we want to help you, we want to encourage you, and what better way than through a living laboratory. A laboratory that fosters healthy competition and the development of our students.”
With this initiative, Toyota de Puerto Rico reaffirms its commitment to educational development, technological innovation, and strengthening the next generation of professionals on the Island.