Middle school students from across Northern Colorado are invited to race in the seventh annual solar- and battery-powered model car competition, the NoCo Time Trials, hosted by Platte River Power Authority.
“This event continues to offer Northern Colorado students a hands-on introduction to solar and battery technology as well as a window into the evolving technologies being used in our energy transition,” says Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO of Platte River Power Authority. “Our hope is that even more students are inspired to pursue education and careers in the energy sector. Supporting the next generation is essential as our industry navigates an era of rapid innovation and transformation.”
Registration for this year’s NoCo Time Trials is now open. The event will take place Saturday, May 2, at Platte River’s headquarters campus in Fort Collins. Northern Colorado middle school teams that register on or before Monday, Feb. 23, will receive model car kits from Platte River.
In addition, two participating students will each receive a $1,500 scholarship stipend, which will be released upon graduation and commitment to pursuing higher education in a STEM-related field, including science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Students are selected through a competitive process that includes an essay submission. This marks the third year Platte River has offered the NoCo Time Trials Scholarship.
“The NoCo Time Trials gives Platte River a meaningful way to connect with middle school students and support their schools,” says Tim Blodgett, chief strategy officer at Platte River. “Seeing participation grow year after year reinforces exactly what we’ve been striving for, and it’s why we’re committed to donating to each participating school’s STEM program. We want to encourage students’ continued curiosity while providing a competition that fuels learning and innovation.”
The deadline for middle schools to sign up and guarantee receipt of car kits is Monday, Feb. 23. Platte River will distribute car kits to educators at an information session scheduled for early March. More information about the competition is available at prpa.org/noco-time-trials.
