Ever since planting a flag in North America with its Chester County plant, Giti Tire has worked to cultivate the next generation of engineers and manufacturers in the local community by investing in education.
The company partnered with the Chester County School District to create Giti Math & Science clubs in schools across the area to help students develop valuable STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills. The clubs meet several times throughout the year, culminating with an annual interscholastic contest.
This March, following a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Giti will sponsor its fourth Math & Science Competition, which encourages Chester County students to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing while inspiring them to develop a love of learning and problem-solving.
“Giti Tire cares about Chester County, not just today but for years to come,” said Phang Wai Yeen, CEO of Giti Tire North America.
“While we have been proud to provide an exceptional array of jobs today, we are also always thinking about the jobs of tomorrow. We want to do everything we can to equip local students with the knowledge and passion for technology that will eventually make them valuable members of the workforce right here at home.”
The competition is divided into three levels – elementary, middle and high school – and has included projects over the years ranging from describing the earth’s continental land forms to applying physics to an egg drop.
The students also have to use writing skills to prepare a report detailing their process and then test their public speaking ability by delivering a presentation to a panel of judges.
“Developing STEAM skills from an early age is critically important to help prepare our students for the future,” said Dr. Antwon Sutton, Chester County Superintendent.
“Thanks to the generous support of Giti Tire, we have been able to instill a love of learning in Chester County students that will serve them well long after they graduate.”
This year, elementary school competitors will be tasked with building an originally designed mini-car powered solely by the energy of a mousetrap.
Middle school teams will model and design a 3D-printed tower, which will be measured for height while bearing a load of 2.5 pounds.
Finally, high school teams will need to model and design a 3D-printed bridge, which will be tested for the highest structural efficiency at its breaking point.
David Shelton, director of industry relations for Giti Tire, has served as a judge in the competition multiple times and said the talent of the participants “blew me away.”
“These students demonstrate tremendous intelligence, drive and composure,” Shelton said. “We know these kids have immense potential as long as they are given the tools and the opportunity to succeed. Giti Tire is thrilled to provide that as part of our commitment to the future of Chester County.”
Participants from the schools will present their projects to a panel of judges on March 29th and 30th, followed by an awards ceremony on the 31st.