Commitment, innovation, and educational excellence shine in the Solar Car Competition

The ninth edition of the Solar Car Competition, held at the Josefina León Zayas Specialized School in Mathematics and Sports in Jayuya, was much more than a student event. It was living proof that when educational passion, student ingenuity, and institutional support come together, the results exceed all expectations.

Behind this initiative is the tireless commitment of Professor Luis Javier Altori Vargas, an educator who has turned obstacles into opportunities. Over a decade ago, with limited resources and great creativity, Altori Vargas conceived this competition as a way to motivate his students and allow Science and Technology education to go beyond the classroom. Today, that seed has grown into a regional educational project that continues to expand.

The competition challenges students from across the island to design and build solar-powered cars from scratch, which then compete in three categories: design and functionality, speed, and the “challenge” circuit, an obstacle course that changes every year. This year’s edition, held on March 20, brought together schools from nine municipalities, including Ponce, Mayagüez, Utuado, Coamo, and Juana Díaz. However, for the first time, the host school won in all categories, demonstrating the direct impact this experience has on its student community.

One of the protagonists of this achievement was Gustavo de Jesús Torres, a tenth-grade Bright Stars student, who, along with his team, designed a car inspired by a German Nascar Camaro using simple materials such as skewer sticks, cardboard, and Legos. From his perspective, beyond the victory, the true achievement was the collaboration, effort, and learning process they experienced.

The Kinesis Foundation, a key ally in strengthening STEM education in Puerto Rico, is pleased to support dedicated educators like Professor Altori Vargas. The Santiago “Chago” García Award for Excellence in Teaching, granted to Professor Altori Vargas, not only validated his excellence as an educator but also provided him with $5,000 to cover the competition’s logistical costs. Additionally, in recent years, the Foundation has contributed trophies and served as a pillar of support to ensure this experience continues benefiting more young people each year.

After the event, Altori Vargas expressed his satisfaction with his school’s victory, as well as with proving that “in a central town of the island, Electronics and Engineering are taught, and great professionals emerge from here.” His goal now is to continue expanding the competition’s reach to more schools and municipalities, reaffirming that educational excellence is also built through the commitment and vision of exceptional teachers, as well as the support of organizations like the Kinesis Foundation.

Santiago “Chago” García Award for Excellence in Teaching

This award recognizes Mathematics and Science (STEM) educators from 9th to 12th grade who impact the lives of their students in Puerto Rico. It also honors the legacy of Santiago "Chago" García, a blind Mathematics and Physics professor with over 50 years of teaching experience at Saint John’s School. To nominate an exceptional teacher, please access the following link before April 17.