Story by William Gaynor. Photos by R’Juror Douglas and members of the Tech Prep Electric Car Club.
Most students look forward to getting their drivers license, but some students at Friendship Tech Prep get to work on a real electric race car before they can even drive. In his role as the club’s advisor, Mr. Schaefer helps club members design and build electric cars while getting ready for the annual competition against schools from other regions. Mr. Schaefer’s ultimate goal is to pass down his knowledge and his lead captain to someone in the car club to take over and keep it improving.
Mr. Schaefer's journey with the Electric Car Club started before he joined the faculty at Friendship Tech Prep. While teaching at Friendship Collegiate Academy, he learned about a program that helps schools create electric car clubs for students in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He found it interesting because it offered mentors and resources, allowing students to learn engineering through hands-on activities.
When Mr. Schaefer became part of the faculty at Friendship Tech Prep, he continued leading the club. He has worked hard to make the club a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.
For Mr. Schaefer, the club means more than just racing. He explains that the goals of the club include “collaborating and unity, where students from different grade levels get to know each other.” Students learn teamwork while also developing technical and leadership skills.
The club provides students with real engineering experience. They learn about machines, electricity, batteries, and how motors turn electrical energy into movement. Mr. Schaefer mentioned that students gain knowledge in mechanics, electricity flow, battery functions, battery economy, and the engineering process as a whole.
Every student has an important role on the team. Some focus on wiring, others safety, mechanics, and even designing how the car looks. Mr. Schaefer said, “They are specialists in wiring, safety, mechanics and the paint job.”
The biggest event of the year is the electric car race where schools from across the DMV compete for prizes and glory. While it's exciting to win, Mr. Schaefer believes the experience is what matters most. The team has improved rapidly over the years, moving from lower placements to taking 8th place in the most recent race.
Looking to the future, Mr. Schaefer hopes younger students will join the club and step into leadership roles. “I want my students to take over,” he said. His goal is to create a program that continues to grow and inspire students even after they graduate
The Electric Car Club gives students a chance to learn engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving in a way that goes beyond just teaching in a classroom. As Mr. Schaefer explained, cars are “something everybody can relate to.” Together, students in the Electric Car Club gain valuable skills while working as a team to improve the electric car, challenge themselves, and reach new goals with every race.
William Gaynor is a junior at Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy.
R’Juror Douglas is a sophomore at Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy.