Tesla, the electric car company powered by ingenuity, rolled into Jurupa Valley High School on Friday, May 18th.
Representatives of the carmaker – including a JVHS graduate – spent two hours with about 200 students enrolled in Career Technical Education courses at the school's Innovation Center. They brought three cars: Model S, Tesla's original luxury car; Model X, the company's SUV; and Model 3, the automaker's simpler electric vehicle listed at $35,000.
"Tesla was built on innovation and sustainability – which aligns directly with all of the CTE pathways at JVHS," said Roberta Pace, Director of College and Career Readiness for JUSD. "Tesla depends on employees skilled in design, engineering, manufacturing, automotive systems, information technology, and photovoltaic energy systems who also have a passion for environmental responsibility."
The Tesla visit included an open house for all JVHS students interested in a tour of the vehicles. Students in designated classes then remained in the Innovation Center for a deeper look at the cars, a short presentation on Tesla's energy sources, and further discussion with Tesla employees.
"This was a unique opportunity for our students to see real-life applications of STEAM innovation in a memorable and exciting way," said Kimberly Corbin, Principal of JVHS. "We thank all those who helped to bring this event to our campus. Our students are inspired and grateful for the opportunity."
Ms. Pace said that broadly, the visit helped students cultivate and better understand:
- An excitement and appreciation for cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- The connection between what they are learning and the evolving tech industries.
- Their place as the next generation of innovators.
Connections between classroom curriculum and real-world industry are crucial to student learning in JUSD's career pathways, Ms. Pace added. The district would be pleased to add ongoing teamwork with Tesla – embraced for cars that fuse beauty with innovation and environmental care – to its college and career readiness portfolio. The initial visit was scheduled after Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes, D-Corona, toured the Innovation Center recently, Ms. Pace said. The legislator was impressed by what she saw, and her office reached out to Tesla. Cervantes and state Sen. Richard Roth, D-Riverside, attended Friday's event at JVHS.
Tesla's visit, and the prospect of a partnership going forward, are "huge," Ms. Pace added. "It's through the support of industry partners that our students engage in work-based learning; it's how we bring current industry technology, trends and practices into the classroom and it helps our students reimagine their futures."
Ms. Corbin agreed. "Tesla has brought tremendous excitement for STEAM learning opportunities on our campus – and we look forward to more of these types of experiences."
The district continually explores ways to expand, strengthen and update CTE programs, to ensure student learning without limits. "We are constantly seeking out new partnerships and ways to connect our students to their future careers," Ms. Pace said. "There are amazing CTE programs in place across the district; this is just one example of the 21st century learning and career-readiness that is available to our students."
