Hyundai Future Innovators Initiative Brings New STEM Opportunities to Orange County Students

• Hyundai and Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation Award $150,000 to 15 Public Schools in Orange County, California

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America, through its corporate social responsibility initiative Hyundai Hope, in partnership with Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation, announced the inaugural recipients of the Future Innovators Initiative by Hyundai, a new STEM education funding program designed to expand science, technology, engineering and math learning opportunities for students across Orange County, California.

Through the initiative, Hyundai and Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation are investing $150,000 in 15 Orange County public schools, with each selected school receiving a $10,000 grant to support hands-on STEM programs and projects that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking and innovation while helping prepare students for future educational and career opportunities.

"Orange County is home to our North American headquarters, and we're proud to invest in the students and educators who are shaping the future of this community," said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America. "Through the Future Innovators Initiative, we're helping schools create meaningful STEM experiences that can spark curiosity, build critical skills and introduce students to new possibilities for their futures."

Hyundai celebrated the inaugural grant recipients during an event at its North American headquarters in Fountain Valley, bringing together educators, community partners and Hyundai representatives to recognize the selected schools and spotlight the innovative STEM projects the grants will help bring to life.

"Over the past several weeks, I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand the extraordinary innovation taking place across these 15 Orange County public schools," said David Blair, executive director, Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation. "Orange County is home to incredible talent, and our students and educators have the potential to create generational change. Hyundai's leadership and investment demonstrate what is possible when education, philanthropy, and community leadership come together. This is more than an investment in 15 schools. It is an investment in Orange County's future and an example of what we can accomplish through strong community partnerships. The talent is here. Innovation is happening. Together, we can build on this momentum and make Orange County a model for educational excellence."

The Future Innovators Initiative puts resources directly into the hands of local educators, helping bring innovative STEM projects from concept to classroom and giving students more opportunities for hands-on learning.

Investing in Orange County's Future

The Future Innovators Initiative builds on Hyundai's broader commitment to Orange County, home to the company's North American headquarters. Through this investment, Hyundai is helping strengthen local schools while encouraging students to explore STEM pathways and future career possibilities.

"Across Orange County's 28 school districts, our educators are doing extraordinary work to help students see what's possible," said Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Orange County Department of Education. "The Future Innovators Initiative by Hyundai reminds us how much more we can accomplish when businesses and community partners come alongside our schools. Through Hyundai's investment and the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation's leadership, 15 public schools are gaining opportunities to bring innovative STEM learning to life. I'm grateful to everyone who is helping turn those classroom ideas into meaningful experiences for students. No one gets there alone, and when we come together to invest in our students, we build a brighter future for all of Orange County."

The 15 inaugural grant recipients represent public schools across Orange County, with each receiving $10,000 to support innovative STEM programming.

Together, these projects will help foster curiosity, creativity and problem-solving while inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Hyundai Hope
Hyundai Hope is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Hyundai Motor North America, committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and the goal of improving the wellbeing of society. Hyundai Hope dedicates time and supplies resources to nonprofit organizations that support the health and safety of individuals and foster positive growth in communities. For more information, visit www.HyundaiHope.com.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America