PIF, Formula E Empower 50,000 Future Sustainability Leaders Through 'Driving Force' Program

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), in collaboration with the Formula E World Championship, continues to implement the "Driving Force" educational program as part of its E360 partnership, in line with its efforts to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders.

 The program is one of the PIF's leading global partnerships in sustainable education, having reached over 50,000 students worldwide to date. It promotes awareness of clean technologies and provides inspiring educational opportunities in science, technology, and environmental innovation.

 The "Driving Force" program leverages the appeal of fully electric car racing to engage students aged 8 to 18 and introduce them to sustainability concepts. It aims to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and inspiring role models needed to pursue emerging careers in sustainability, science, and technology.

 As part of its community outreach efforts, Formula E hosted an in-person "Driving Force" workshop at Hammersmith Academy in London, attended by over 90 students. The workshop exemplifies direct educational initiatives, as proven by studies, that influence students' career aspirations and boost their representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

 The workshop is part of a series of five sessions held in July at schools near the upcoming London E-Prix circuit and close to Formula E's headquarters in Hammersmith. Similar workshops were organized earlier this year in Jeddah and Miami in conjunction with the races hosted in those cities.

 Through interactive experiences and hands-on activities, the in-person workshops have helped bridge academic concepts with real-world career opportunities in motorsports, mobility, engineering, battery innovation, and clean energy.

 Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E Julia Palle indicated that a survey conducted last year involving over 7,000 students revealed a significant decline in their interest and aspirations to pursue STEM fields.

 She stressed the need to strengthen the link between academic curricula and career pathways, noting that achieving this effectively requires direct support from the business sector.

 The "Driving Force" program, delivered through PIF's E360 partnership, serves as one of the supportive solutions aimed at strengthening the education system's ability to meet students' aspirations and the future needs of the job market.