Automotive Nonprofits in Minnesota Empower Public School Students to Gain STEM Skills Through Building Electric vehicles

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASPMN), and the Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS), leading advocates for independent auto service and collision repair shops, today announced the launch of a groundbreaking $50,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) Scholarship Program for Minnesota schools, teachers, and students. This initiative, in partnership with Infento, a provider of innovative Electric Vehicle STEM construction kits, and H2I Group, a specialist in technical education spaces, aims to foster a new generation of automotive professionals equipped with the skills needed to repair the amazingly advanced vehicles of tomorrow. The automotive industry relies on a workforce that can turn a wrench while fixing a computer. Electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles are just the beginning of the disruptive technologies the middle-school students of today are sure to see in their lifetime.

The scholarship will be facilitated by Infento and H2I Group with AASPMN and MNCARS providing matching funding dollars to support the scholarship. Any school that wants to purchase one Infento “Pro Kit”, which is the champion product supporting the scholarship, will receive a free additional 2nd Infento Pro Kit. This matching scholarship has the potential to impact well over 500 students throughout Minnesota after its completion. 

“The future of the automotive industry is highly technical, and we need a skilled workforce to keep these vehicles on the road,” said Linden Wicklund, Executive Director of AASPMN. “This scholarship program, in partnership with MNCARS, Infento and H2I Group, is a strategic investment in our members’ future. By sparking interest early on and providing students with the opportunity to develop essential skills through Infento’s innovative products, we can ensure a pipeline of qualified technicians who are prepared to work on the latest automotive technologies.”

The AASPMN, MNCARS EV Scholarship Program will provide funding for two key components:

• Infento EV Kits: Middle and high schools across Minnesota will receive Infento’s specialized EV kits called the “Pro Kit”, designed to bridge the gap between traditional classroom learning and real-world automotive applications. These kits, featuring a variety of components and challenges, allow students to build and experiment with electric motors, batteries, and structural and mechanical parts. The Pro Kit also allows students to build anything their imagination can think of through the modular components found in that kit. By engaging in hands-on activities, students can develop a deep understanding of how EVs work, gain practical experience in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and acquire the essential skills needed to succeed in career and technical education (CTE) programs and automotive industry careers.
• Teacher Training: Educators will be trained on how to effectively integrate Infento kits into their curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of EVs and their components. The training will equip teachers with the tools and resources to guide students through hands-on projects that align with industry standards and workforce needs. By providing teachers with the necessary knowledge and support, the program aims to ensure that students receive high-quality instruction that prepares them for future careers in the automotive industry.

“Infento’s EV kits are powerful tools for schools to help support their students in developing the skills that are essential for the future of the automotive industry,” said Max Ringelheim, Head of US Operations for Infento. “By engaging students in hands-on learning, we can inspire a new generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators who are passionate about electric vehicles and their potential to shape the future of transportation. Through our kits, students can develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills, which are invaluable in any industry, particularly in the rapidly evolving world of automotive technology.”

H2I Group, a trusted partner in designing and building exceptional technical education spaces and outfitting those spaces with the right equipment, will also play a vital role in the program.

“We are dedicated to creating inspiring learning environments that prepare students for the future of work,” said Nate Thiesfeld, Executive Vice President, of H2I Group. “This program aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to contribute our expertise in delivering the infrastructure and resources to support Infento’s innovative approach to education. By ensuring that schools have the appropriate facilities and equipment, we can foster an engaging and stimulating learning experience that ignites a lifelong passion for STEM and paves the way for successful careers in the automotive industry.”

The AASPMN and MNCARS EV Scholarship Program represents a forward-thinking collaboration between industry leaders, educators, and technical innovators. By leveraging the expertise of partners like Infento and H2I Group, this initiative not only equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the automotive industry but also underscores the importance of fostering hands-on, STEM-focused education in schools across Minnesota. H2I Group’s commitment to creating state-of-the-art educational spaces plays a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s success, providing an environment where students can explore, innovate, and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Together, these efforts reflect a shared vision of empowering the next generation of professionals to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.