Hebron Academy Launches a Hydrogen Car Program

Hebron Academy is thrilled to announce that it will become the first East Coast hub for the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) which is made possible through the generous support of an anonymous donor. This program allows students to design, engineer, and build their own fuel cell-powered RC car and compete in events with local and potentially global competitors. H2GP is a comprehensive science and engineering program that gives students from all over the world the opportunity to apply their talents as they learn about environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and alternative fuels, through a variety of science experiments and curricular materials. 

In addition to building multiple cars, Hebron Academy will invest in an official H2GP race track that will allow the Academy to host Horizon Grand Prix events in the 2022-2023 academic year which could include both Regional and State events, and the potential to place bids to host the National Competition. “I am beyond excitement that Hebron Academy has adopted the Horizon Grand Prix program and will be acquiring an official race track to support our students and our  State of Maine,” says Joshua Kangas, engineering faculty member and an organizer of H2GP at Hebron. “This gives our students the unprecedented experience of being able to work with their car and take it through rigorous competitive time trials, as well as solidifies our school as an official Race Hub!” 

“Hebron Academy's ability to trailblaze this global program on the East coast is a tremendous opportunity for the school and our community. This experience will help grow our Engineering, Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (EDIE) Pathway and inspire our STEM interested students for years to come,” added Daniella Swenton, Chair of the Science Department and Director of Teaching and Learning. The EDIE pathway incorporates the Project Lead the Way curriculum, which is the nation’s leading accredited K-12 engineering program. Hebron Academy offers STEM classes in the Kaneb Center for Science and Engineering, which houses state-of-the-art molecular, environmental, and engineering laboratories and equipment.