The globally recognized STEM Racing program expands Star Academy's hands-on learning and career exploration at Career Success Schools - Sage Campus
PHOENIX, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Star Academy, a program of NOLA Education, has partnered with STEM Racing, formerly F1 in Schools, to give students a new R&D Lab where their ideas and creativity come to life through the challenge of designing, building, and racing miniature Formula 1 cars.
The initiative launched September 4, 2026 at Career Success Schools – Sage Campus in Phoenix, bringing the STEM Racing experience used by students around the world into Star Academy's new R&D Lab, which the school is calling its "Future Ready Lab."
"We can already tell this is going to change how our students see and apply mathematics," said Dr. Christine McGee, Principal of Career Success Schools – Sage Campus. "Our students will know everything they learn is building toward something real."
In STEM Racing, students take on responsibilities modeled after real racing teams, combining car design, manufacturing, branding, operations, financial planning and project management. This creates opportunities for different strengths to emerge and skills to be gained before racing in competitions supported by Formula 1.
Students at Sage Campus will manufacture a 1/20th scale race car, create an enterprise portfolio documenting their process and present a pit display to industry professionals. Students race finished cars on an 80-foot track, reaching speeds up to 31mph.
"This partnership with STEM Racing expands Star Academy's hands-on, project-based core learning experience by providing students with new opportunities to explore in-demand careers and gain real-world skills," said Sam Zimmer, Vice President of Corporate Development at NOLA Education. "The vision we have for the Future Ready Lab is simple: provide a learning environment outside of the traditional classroom that inspires students to be creative, view challenges as opportunities, and push what's possible for a future they're excited to work toward."
STEM Racing's wider program includes organized competitions in which teams demonstrate their engineering and business work alongside racing. The Sage Campus launches with the immediate focus on bringing that learning experience to students.
"A student may come to STEM Racing because they love cars and discover a talent for design, business, or leading a team," said Brian Kendzior, Executive Director of STEM Racing USA. "Partnering with Star Academy gives us an opportunity to connect that curiosity with purposeful learning. We want students to experience the satisfaction of creating something, improving it, and seeing what they can accomplish together."
For information about Star Academy's hands-on learning approach tied to career exploration and workforce readiness, visit StarAcademyProgram.com/Future-Ready.
About Star Academy
Star Academy is a STEM-driven, hands-on learning program designed to enhance the success of disengaged learners. The expert-built programming pairs hands-on learning experiences with workforce development exposure, allowing students to earn up to two academic grade-level promotions in just one year. The comprehensive program can be tailored to meet the specific needs of students by allowing the district to select courses that align with state standards. Star Academy is a program of NOLA Education. Learn more at staracademyprogram.com.
About STEM Racing
STEM Racing, formerly F1 in Schools, is an international education program supported by Formula 1. Students work in teams to design, make and race miniature cars while exploring engineering, project management and business. STEM Racing USA is operated by Nexus North America Inc., a nonprofit organization. Learn more at StemRacing.us.
SOURCE NOLA Education
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