Teen Tech Selma students tour Talladega College, Superspeedway as part of STEM program

A group of students at Wallace Community College from the local Teen Tech Center in Selma experienced an educational adventure this week as they toured Talladega College and the Talladega Superspeedway, thanks to a community partnership project sponsored by Microsoft.

The Racing with STEM Experience, led by Rajah Caruth in partnership with Microsoft, is a STEM educational program designed to inspire youth through the intersection of motorsports. The program offers free tours at Talladega College and exclusive garage and pit experiences at Talladega Superspeedway, allowing students to see firsthand how technology and engineering drive success in racing. By combining real-world racing environments with interactive learning, the initiative encourages young people to explore STEM careers and discover how these skills power innovation both on and off the track.

At Talladega College, students met with faculty and student ambassadors who shared insights about academic programs, scholarships, and the importance of pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Later, at the Talladega Superspeedway, the group enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art racing facility. They learned how technology plays a vital role in NASCAR from data analysis and car design to safety systems and race-day logistics.

“The Racing with STEM Experience was a valuable opportunity for students because it connected classroom learning to real-world applications in an exciting and engaging way,” said Teen Tech Coordinator Kaymon McGuire. “Through hands-on exposure to the racing industry, students saw how STEM concepts like physics, data analysis, aerodynamics, and technology are essential to high-performance motorsports.”

McGuire said interacting with professionals such as Rajah Caruth and the Microsoft team allowed students to gain insight into career paths they may not have considered before, including engineering, computer science, and sports technology. 

“Overall, it was an inspiring experience that helped students see the relevance of STEM in real life, motivating them to pursue higher education and careers in fields that shape the future of technology and racing,” he said.