Hyundai Supports Education and Hunger Relief in Massachusetts

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Jul 14, 2025, 11:00 ET

Hyundai hosts Hydrogen STEM Program at Greater Holyoke YMCA
Hyundai's donation to Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will provide 10,000 meals
Holyoke Community College's Thrive Center and Food Pantry receive donation to address essential needs

HOLYOKE, Mass., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America continued its commitment to community well-being by supporting education and hunger relief in Massachusetts. Students at the Greater Holyoke YMCA participated in the Hydrogen STEM Program, gaining firsthand experience with hydrogen fuel cell technology and its real-world applications. Hyundai Hope, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Hyundai Motor America, also donated to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Thrive Center and Food Pantry at Holyoke Community College to help ensure access to food and other necessities.

Students present their hydrogen-powered model vehicles during the Hyundai Hydrogen STEM Program at Greater Holyoke YMCA in Holyoke, Mass. on July 9, 2025. (Photo/Hyundai)

"From classrooms to communities, Hyundai is committed to driving positive change," said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America. "We're proud to provide students with valuable learning opportunities and support local food banks in their mission to end hunger."

Hyundai brought its Hydrogen STEM Program to the Greater Holyoke YMCA, where more than 30 students explored the role of hydrogen technology in clean energy and the automotive industry. Students then put their new knowledge into action by building and racing their own hydrogen-powered model vehicles. The Hydrogen STEM Program is part of Hyundai's broader commitment to education and sustainability, aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators. Since launching in 2022, this program has reached over 1,300 students across California, Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama.

"For 139 years, Greater Holyoke YMCA has been committed to providing a high-quality youth development experience," said Conor Bevan, CEO, Greater Holyoke YMCA. "Our programs are designed to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and cultivate critical thinking skills in children of all ages. We are grateful to develop a meaningful partnership with Hyundai Motor America and Gary Rome Hyundai, corporate leaders who are equally committed to the education and development of youth in our community."

In addition, Hyundai donated to two local organizations addressing food insecurity in the community. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts supports individuals and families through a network of food pantries, meal sites, and shelters, providing approximately one million meals to more than 100,000 people each month. With this donation, the Food Bank will be able to supply an equivalent of 10,000 nutritious meals for neighbors in need. Holyoke Community College's Thrive Center and Food Pantry assist students experiencing financial hardship by offering free food, toiletries, baby supplies, and other essentials. This past academic year, the Food Pantry distributed 6,352 pounds of food to students. The donation will help more students overcome everyday barriers and access the resources they need to thrive academically.

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 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 and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.