Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

The high school where I teach at just received a 4.5 million dollar grant. The intent is to create after-school extracurricular academic programs to interest students in school and show them how our curriculum is incorporated in real-world applications. I think having a racing program is a perfect way! Below is part of the grant that I wrote; did I miss any benefits? My goal is to buy a turn-key late-model stocker and teach the students how to maintain/tune it and take them to the track to race. Of course, for insurance reasons, I'll drive the car. Any advice would be appreciated and thanks in advance for reading.

Many of our students at PHS have challenges and face obstacles keeping them from being successful in school. Coursework is not relevant to them. They do not see a link between what they are learning in the classroom and how this can be used in the real world. The lack of relevance causes them to be unsuccessful keeping them from graduating. Also, many of them have skills and interests outside of our curriculum that they never get to explore or find guidance on how to pursue as career fields. Finally, many come to high school lacking fundamental math, science, and computer skills which would allow them to be successful in their classes if we could find a way to motivate them and make it relevant to their interests.
Throughout my life I have had a passion for racing. Racing incorporates math, science, and computer skills into real world applications. It can also be a motivation tool for any student, particularly young at-risk males, who have an interest in cars. Racing promotes the value of hard work, discipline, working together as a team, the need for a sound education, and competition and sportsmanship.
I am proposing that we begin an after-school racing program with the following benefits. I truly the believe the sky is the limit on how we can incorporate this into our school culture as we link academics and CTE programs. This would be a long term venture that would touch many students for years to come. It is by no means an all-inclusive list of the benefits as the program would be very open to reaching out in different directions as the grant coordinator, school administration, racing director, and other faculty members see opportunities.
Motivation tool:
Many of our students have no interest in coming to school, completing homework, and see no relevance in the curriculum that we offer them. I believe EVERY student would like to be successful and graduate but many lack the support and encouragement from home. Having an extra-curricular activity that they are involved in gives them “buy-in” into the school and a goal that they must work towards. Students would have to keep satisfactory passing grades in order to be a part of the program after school or attend races on the weekends. Also, to be around and encouraged and motivated by a faculty member who understands and realizes the importance of a high school education (and beyond) would be invaluable and something that many of them lack.
Tutoring assistance after school:
After school I would offer tutoring to students in any math class that they are currently taking. Prior to going to the garage to work on the car students would be required to have all of their homework done for the day. My room would be a place that they would work on all of their homework but if they needed tutoring in addition to mathematics they would go to their respective teachers prior to coming to the shop. Again, having an incentive of working on the race car after their homework was done would be motivation daily to complete all of their assignment. I would check grades regularly, as does a coach with athletes, and make parents aware of their student’s academic progress.
An understanding of how our curriculum has real world relevance:
My intent is to purchase a turn-key, race ready, late-model computer controlled car. Long gone are the days when an automobile is tuned by a screwdriver. Today’s race cars are very high tech and require extensive mathematical and computer knowledge. Students would receive hands-on training in how math, science, and computers are necessary to maintain a successful racing operation and compete on a high level. Setting up, dialing in, and adjusting suspensions, controlling engine and transmission functions, and competing in bracket-race style programs are just some of the major ways that math and especially computer knowledge is necessary to operate a race car.
Post-graduation opportunities:
Not having an automotive program limits many of our students in post-graduation options as we have MANY students (especially those at-risk) who have an interest in automobiles but don’t know where to begin or how to pursue their passion as a career. Allowing these students to be exposed to the racing community and giving them an opportunity to network with professionals in this field will open many doors that would have otherwise been unavailable. As a subsidiary part of our program I would like to have students investigate such post-graduation options such as UTI, the NASCAR Technical Institute, and other trade schools where they could continue their pursuit of an automotive related field. Also, the relationship with engineering in today’s racing world is extensive so students with a strong mathematical background who also have an interest in motorsports could now have an outlet for their passion and be provided with college/career direction.
Basic automotive knowledge:
Again, not having an automotive program, our students graduate with no knowledge of basic automobile maintenance/operation and are at the mercy of garages and overpriced dealerships for the rest of their life to perform simple money saving tasks that they can do on their own. Although our goal isn’t to build a complete race car from the ground-up (which would be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor and not meet the goals of our program) students will learn basic routine maintenance such as oil/filter changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, spark plug and ignition maintenance, and tire rotation and inspection. We will also handle more in-depth topics such as engine and transmission removal, engine management system programming, valve spring removal and installation, suspension tuning, and diagnostic work. Many of these skills will provide life-long lessons that will save our students money and provide safe and reliable transportation for them and their families.
Interaction with the business world:
Another aspect of our racing program would require students to contact businesses across the country as we seek to get donations for maintenance items. Since we are purchasing a complete car we will not necessarily need to provide many hard parts initially but over time it will require such small items as oil, filters, spark plugs, valve springs, suspension bushings, and tires. To keep costs down we would solicit donations from companies. I would ask the students to draft letters, emails, and make phone calls to corporations with the racing industry for these items. This will be an excellent opportunity for our students to interact with professionals in situations that they would not have otherwise had the chance to do. This will provide excellent job and communication skills that will be required in the workforce following graduation.
Positive publicity for our school and district:
Our intent is to join the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) as both sanctioning bodies have races within an hour of the school. Both of these organizations are long-time established professional racing sanctioning entities with national publications, web sites, and world-wide media exposure. Having articles written about our program, mission, and goals would bring positive attention to our school, and most importantly students, that they may never have experienced before. Also, we would construct a web page chronicling our racing program, advancements, and accomplishments. The students would be responsible for photography, articles, and maintaining the web page.
Outcome/goals:
Many of our goals and outcomes are listed within the body of this proposal however to summarize and list them we would:
1. Provide at-risk students a motivational tool to interest them in school.
2. Offer academic assistance to students on a daily basis before they would be allowed to participate.
3. Show students real-life applications for math, science, computer skills.
4. Open the doors to post-graduation opportunities that are now unavailable to students with an interest in this field.
5. Provide students with basic automotive maintenance knowledge.
6. Allow students to interact with the business world and professional community.
7. Bring positive publicity to our school, district, and most importantly students who normally don’t receive recognition or praise.
Budget:

Thoughts?

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Sounds like a good idea for the students, but troubling part to me is I'll drive it is this or could it be seen as conflict of interest?? Have been involved in some of the DARE programs and a lot of the time it turns out to be away for a free race car!
JMPO
Ralph

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

That's a good point and one I've considered and talked about with the principal, grant coordinator, etc. I don't have any intention of taking the car out without students. To be honest with you, after racing more than 20 years, the racing part doesn't interest me as much as teaching young people about a world of motorsports that they've never been exposed to or even know about.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

If you got that in grant money call me i have a nice 69 camaro convertable will sale to you.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Here is a program that worked for my high school.

http://www.kusd.org/cte/reports/arch.../April2004.pdf

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

You might want to give some examples of how math and computer skills would be utilized, such as recording and maintaining a database which can then be used to study the relationship between variables which impact the car's performance such as weather conditions, air-fuel ratios, etc., or how the computer will be used to change the tune-up of the car. These are all things that are obvious to a racer, but which would be less clear to someone who is not a racer. I know when I explain to the professors I work with just how highly sophisiticated drag racing is that they are quite impressed with the skills and knowledge that are required to do well in the sport.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Knowing how School Board Members and City Council Members think, be carefull on that one.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Great points!t I included a little of that in my proposal and have talked with "higher-ups" who were also surprised to hear abou the technology and math involved.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Good thought as well. My hope is to dispel some of the preconceived notions that drag racers and racing is bad but has become very high-tech and is family-oriented. I'm trying to makes feel part of a team that normally wouldn't be involved in anything extra-curricular and show them how important math, science, and computers are to the motorsports community.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

The only thing that caught my eye was " Setting up, dialing in, and adjusting suspensions, controlling engine and transmission functions, and competing in bracket-race style programs "
Setting up is too generic and I don't think most would know what a dial in is. Not only will people read and hear about what you are proposing (which is excellent I might add) with you there to answer questions, but people will be reading it without you around. I prefer to break things into simple bites for people not familiar with what I'm talking.
An example would be;
Computors-
1) blah blah blah
2) yada yada yada

Math-
1) yada yada yada
2) blah blah blah

That would give a direct answer to the direct question of WHAT are they going to learn.

Overall, excellent! Wish you good luck with it.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

I have a M/SA 1969 Impala in the Resto shop and no time to finish it.
Have all the parts to put it back into race condition.

If interested email me for details: danfahey@dansources.com

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

(quote)Another aspect of our racing program would require students to contact businesses across the country as we seek to get donations for maintenance items. Since we are purchasing a complete car we will not necessarily need to provide many hard parts initially but over time it will require such small items as oil, filters, spark plugs, valve springs, suspension bushings, and tires. To keep costs down we would solicit donations from companies. I would ask the students to draft letters, emails, and make phone calls to corporations with the racing industry for these items. This will be an excellent opportunity for our students to interact with professionals in situations that they would not have otherwise had the chance to do. This will provide excellent job and communication skills that will be required in the workforce following graduation. (end quote)


While I agree with your basic plans.

Sponsorship is charity.

Teach them how to create a marketing program and the hard work and long hours at displays that goes with it ! This will teach them how to interact with the public and business which will add benefit to both parties. I am sure it would give them much more pride in their efforts as individuals and as a whole. It probably won't be easy, but sometimes a little rejection is a better incentive than handouts.

It took me two years to get my first Marketing client for my racing team and it was a great relationship.

Best of luck to you, your students, and your program.

Peter Ash

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

You might want to contact Southern Illinois Univ. Automotive Technology program. They have a program like you are trying to do only on the college level. They let the kids drive but I think they are all of legal age to sign the waver for themselves so no objections from parents.

I wish you good luck with this. Myself and some other parents tried to put together a deal to allow our kids to race at Gateway in the high school class a few years ago. The school district got a lawyer involved and made sure it did not happen. I hope you can make this happen it might just make a HUGE difference in a kids life. If it was not for my HS auto shop teacher I dont know where I would be today.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

What school are you with?

There was a local racer that did this for several years with a bracket car. He would take the kids to the track too. He paid for everything. He would take them on field trips to the National events at Rockingham too. He ran a very Good program until some "Do-Gooder felt it was a liability to have the school name on the side of the car. End of Program. It was very sad too.
I wish you Luck.
Chip Johnson

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

You might look into the program that Clay Millican did a couple of years ago when he hosted Burnout. There may be something there that may benefit you. I thought he also did something with 2 high school vo-tech shops competing against each other too. Can't seem to locate that program.

FWIW

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

The high school show was good. I loved it. Problem was the 2nd season one of the teachers was'nt real smart and they never aired season 3. I was told season 3 was fimed and one scool was in NC but never aired.
Chip Johnson

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Well I read your subject line and then the rest of the posts.

I don't want to sound like an, 'over the top optimist', but I have a car that would be well suited for ya, computer EFI, LT1 combination, late model Pontiac Firebird with data logging, is a '98 still a late model???

Anyhow, it's a great car and runs reasonably well, was in SS/JA at Pomona and went 10:66. It's actually a stocker that can run C, D, and E.

I would like to talk to you more about your vision, sounds like a great idea.
951 686 4230

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

In 2003, working with a local high school auto tech course and seeveral dealerships, we (racers, not educators) used a different approach and formed a 501(c)(3)organization "Baton Rouge SMART Program". Donation of equipment, parts and money were obtained as tax deductions. The H.S. students then starting building a race car from a recovery yard provided car. Racers/dealerships provided technical, as well as business, speakers/help. Race cars were used by other teachers in reading, science, math and physics classes, as well as serving as mentors in these subjects. The dealerships were able to hire graduates. After the first year the school board asked that the group work in two other schools. Only the original school construced a car and the teacher drove the car.

NHRA-U. S. Army youth services films/hand outs were used, coupled with trips to local and national races.

Fund were also made available for non automotive school activities/tips and scholarships.

If you are not aware, check with the library to see if they have purchased one of the web search program that not only identifies foundations but the names of board members. Federal key word search "cfda.gov".

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Thanks for all of the comments and positive response guys. They're truly appreciated. I'm still waiting for the grant coordinator to sign-off on it but from talking to everyone involved initially they seem to be excited and see the benefit of the program. I plan to pull up this forum when I personally meet with the person that will approve it.

We are in East Texas about an hour from Ennis and Crandall. I was thinking we could run NHRA and IHRA but I see that Crandall isn't hosing a points meet this year. We'll see about that when the time comes.

Bernie ... your car is exactly what we are looking for. I raced a '95 Impala SS in Pure Stock when I lived in NC so I'm fairly comfortable with the LT1. I was wanting an EFI car so that the students could see how it was tuned from the laptop. I've been looking at Dean's '98 Firebird and there is a also a '94 Camaro stick car on racingjunk now. I'm sure it will be after Christmas until I get the go-ahead so I'll try to call you when we get back from break to discuss the program and your car if it's still available.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Drag Race High

http://www.speedtv.com/gallery/view/939721/218431

http://www.speedtv.com/programs/drag-race-high/

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Thanks Charlie! Sometimers setting in I guess...

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

I did see that show and enjoyed it. We don't have the automotive shop, tools, equipment to build a race car from scratch. We are fortunate enough to have a tiny (pardon the pun) small engines class that has a few hand tools and an extra bay in the shop we could store the car. Also, the kids I'm working with are very low income minorities that I honestly don't think would have the patience to stick with it if we did. My thinking is to buy something turn-key that someone else has already invested the time and money in building and sorting out. Plus, everyone knows you can buy an LT1 Stocker, for example, for about half of what is invested in them. Our kids would respond well to something that was done and they could see and hear right away. I know that's not the best way to go but kids are different today. I've been in education for almost 20 years and kids aren't patient anymore and don't know how to set goals and work persistently towards them. There is still a ton of teaching, motivation, and encouragement that can come from what we are proposing.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Don't just think about Math and Science. Some may not like working on the car, getting dirty or thinking about how it works. Others may like to think about the Marketing and Finance side of things, which could pull in more students and more faculty members. You could cover all bases with this type of program to keep everyone involved. If you want the board members to sign off on this then show them how it can affect everyone

You could easily build many teams to do the following:
Logistics
Inventory
Shipping and Receiving
Accounting
Marketing
Engineering
Tuning & General Maintenance (brakes, suspension etc...)

You get the idea and this could give everyone some great experience.


How many times do you see these shows on TV and see many of the kids standing around.




Thanks
Manny

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

I taught HS machine shop for several years. The first year I taught I was trying to teach about gear ratio's and come up with a chart showing gear ratio's vs. 1/4 mile performance.
I always had a couple kids that once they saw it and talked about it started to get the point and "a light clicked on" with them. Best job I ever had but also the most demanding.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Scott,
I tried to reply to your PM but it wouldn't go thru. I will send you the spec sheet and lots of photo's of the rebuild.
My e-mail address is bonzaproducts@att.net

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Back in the late 90's I started a Highschool drag racing class at E-town. At that time I had been teaching for about 5 years and was very enthusiastic to promote and grow bracket racing with my students. It was mildly successful at best and the second my High school found out what we were doing, they shut any involvement with the school name down. Our school's lawyers made it very clear ......... drag racing and High school dont mix. It was very dissapointing to say the least and after a few years it just fell by the way side. In todays day and age I doubt any school district would seriously entertain a school owned and operated racecar. The liabilty would far outweigh any promotional or beneficial advertisement or benefits. Purchasing one with a grant further compounds the liability issues. I myself own a few race cars and I have been told on numerous occasions that my cars cannot be associated in any way with our school. Bringing them into school for maintanance or promotional reasons even seems to ruffle some feathers.
Obviously I wish you the best of luck, and hopefully you live in an area that actually encourages these type of things. Imagine teaching kids how to safely and responsibly enjoy drag racing............ What a concept.





bob

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

perfect > the US Government and nhra will love each other...

lets see
1. i cannot afford to race against the school car, thats descrimination so the ACLU will file suit on my behalf, and the governmement will be forced to support all racers.
2. i cannot compete with the school car, thats an unfair platform so the ACLU will gain control of the AHFS and factor all winners +50hp untill everyone has won one.
3. i am a female and the school car is driven more by the 30 boys in the class than by us two girls... title 9 says we get our own cars.
4. there is too much emphasis on winning and losing and can effect a students self confidence, therefore winning will not insure you of a win, there will, be other factors like your nationality, sex, class status and social upbringing for you final standings (grade)

jack

well at least the government is supporting something in our country not abroad !!!

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

UPDATE: Over the holidays I have been corresponding via email with our district curriculum director who will be the last person to sign-off on the grant and give us the go-ahead. After reading my proposal she is very excited about the possibilities this has for our students and wants to know what it will take to move ahead and have something in place soon. I have a meeting with her on Monday, January 2 when we return from Christmas break to finalize plans. I'm very optimistic this could become a reality and am keeping my fingers crossed.

Happy New Year's to all!

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Well, believe it or not, I met with the assistant superintendent yesterday and she gave us the green light (pardon the pun) to purchase a car, enclosed trailer, and support equipment/tools to begin racing when the tracks open. :D Needless to say we are so excited about the possibilities this has for our young people. With the technology and tuning involved, as well as my background, I have decided to buy a late-model LT1 car. I've been looking at a couple on the market now. Time to decide which one to go with and get started.

Watch for us at the track. We'll be the group with a handful of teenagers walking around with HUGE eyes and GIANT smiles as it will be the first time at the track for all of them.

Scott

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Big Congrats!!!!!!

Keep us posted on the progress and when you can, get the computer class to create a website for your "team".

So many teaching opportunities here.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Great idea! I plan to have a student (or two) dedicated to just doing that. We'll also take them to the track to video/take pictures for the web page. Would love to eventually have an article in the ND spotlighting these students as many of them have never had any positive attention at all in their lives.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

I second those sentiments. Lots of good things should come from this.

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

How cool is this !!!!!

Best of luck with everything and I'm sure it will be a hit with everyone involved !!!

If ya dont mind me askin .......... how much ya got to spend LOL ......






Bob

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Enough to buy a nice, competive turn-key LT1 Stocker with spares, enclosed trailer, and all necessary tools, etc. needed to maintain it. But ... not enough to go REALLY fast in a DP or CJ. ;)

Scott

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

I have a '90 Pontiac Trans Am 350 Tuneport injection Stocker that runs in J/SA (NHRA) or F/FIA (IHRA) for sale. You can view my ad on Racing Junk.com. The car is in Terrel Texas at my parents', I reside in Rowlett, Tx.

My contact information is as follows:
Kevin Scott
(214) 926-3913

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Very cool program

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Scott Don't forget the new Camaro COPO;).Good luck, hope those kids know how lucky they are to have someome like you helping them.


Thanks Ross Gould

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Why not?????

Make a pitch to all the manufacturers and see if any one of them just might be interested in your program.

Not to ask for a freebie but for perhaps a deal and/or some support.

All they could say is.......YES!

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

I'm getting old and my memory fails me from time to time but is the same Ross Gould from Newport, NC and if so Jr. or Sr.?

Re: Writing a grant to buy a Stocker for our HS
 

Make sure you either get something much newer that all of the kids can relate to. My nephew and his (Late teen's and Early 20's) buddies are nuts about the LS1, DP and Cobra Jet cars.

Peer pressure from so called friends can get them to really dislike or like something so no offense to anyone, but don't buy anything earlier than 1995.