Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE and Saint Louis Science Center Provide Supplemental Science Learning Opportunities for Students Countrywide

Interactive Learning Events on Fuel Efficiency and Renewable Energy offered at Museums Countrywide

BROOKLYN, Mich., July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The third and final element of a national education program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE – the competition to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles — launched today at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI.  This latest part of the program, developed in partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center, brings unique events and learning opportunities to museums countrywide in an effort to engage students in learning about renewable, sustainable energy, climate change and fuel-efficient vehicle options of the future.

"At a time when schools all over the country are experiencing massive budget cuts, low test scores and fluctuating leadership, community-based education initiatives like this have become more important than ever to supplement a traditional classroom setting," said Mitch Aiken, Director of Education at the  X PRIZE Foundation.

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE National Education Program aims to motivate all students, primarily those in K-12 learning environments, through interactive, hands-on exhibits that highlight the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) behind renewable energy and vehicle technology.  Museums across the country will use age-appropriate games, vehicle design challenges and presentations to inspire students and pique interest that could lead to long-term careers in energy and technology.

"As the official education partner of the X PRIZE Foundation, we are proud to have helped develop these educational programs to enrich the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE," said Doug King, President and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. "I know the programs will have a great impact at science museums across the country, and we are eager to introduce such interactive experiences to the St. Louis community this summer."

One of the popular exhibits traveling the country this summer as part of the program are the Under the Hood-Drive Change Today activity carts; these are interactive exhibits that allow students to explore the inner workings of a car engine while learning about fuel efficiency and vehicle technology.  Additionally, The Detroit Science Center will host a "Future Cruisin' event," an interactive display of fuel-efficient, innovative vehicles of the future.  The Discovery Museum in Acton, Massachusetts will host a day where visitors can 'Meet the TriHy' a triple hybrid car that runs on 100 percent vegetable oil. And before St. Louis area students begin school in the fall, the Saint Louis Science Center will bring to life 'Night at the Science Center' where children of all ages will spend the night at the facility to learn about fuel-efficiency and the technology related to vehicles of the future. The resources developed for the program are also available online to the more than 100 science centers in the Saint Louis Science Center's Science Beyond the Boundaries network.

"The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE national education program is a call to action to promote and inspire awareness for students across the country," noted Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation. "Just as we are showcasing extraordinary innovations with the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, this education program offers students from California to Massachusetts opportunities to think about how driving decisions today affect their world tomorrow."

In addition to the educational events taking place at 16 science centers across the country, Discovery Education developed a comprehensive online knowledge center, www.FuelOurFutureNow.com that offers resources for students, teachers and families to learn more about advanced vehicle technologies.

The education program has also just completed DASH+, a national contest that challenged high school students to use their creativity and STEM skills to design an eco-friendly dashboard that provides feedback to encourage fuel-efficient driving.

To view the entire Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE National Education Program schedule, visit: www.progressiveautoxprize.org/education.

ABOUT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Working with a wide array of state, community, industry and university partners, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in a diverse portfolio of energy technologies. Energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy will mean a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy independence for America. For more information about the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy please contact the EERE Information Center at 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) or on the web at www.energy.gov.

ABOUT THE PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE AUTOMOTIVE X PRIZE

The goal of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage competition for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 Miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe). The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on efficiency, safety, affordability, and the environment. It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers will want to buy, not science projects or concept cars. This progress is needed because today's oil consumption is unsustainable and because automotive emissions significantly contribute to global warming and climate change.

For more information about the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email [email protected].

ABOUT THE SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

The Saint Louis Science Center is one of the top five science centers in the United States, serving 1.2 million visitors annually. Recently named one of the Top 10 Science Centers for Families by Parents magazine and one of America's most visited museums by Forbes Traveler Magazine, – the only museum in Missouri to be named to either list - the Saint Louis Science Center complex includes a four-story OMNIMAX^® Theater, the air-supported EXPLORADOME and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Its mission is to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.  For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center and its programs, visit slsc.org

SOURCE Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE