INNOVATORS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
Innovators Educational Foundation (IEF) is a non-profit 501c3 organization that organizes collegiate solar car events. IEF is made up of a core group of dedicated volunteers, mostly former competitors, that know first-hand the value of a hands-on, multidisciplinary, innovative project to the education experience. In addition to experiential learning, these solar car events promote energy efficiency and raise public awareness of the capabilities of solar power. IEF holds two signature events: Formula Sun Grand Prix, an annual track event, and the American Solar Challenge, a cross-country event held every two years, as well as the IEF Solar Car Conference.
About This Cause
Innovators Educational Foundation (IEF) organizes collegiate solar car events, focusing on the two events held in the United States: the American Solar Challenge and the Formula Sun Grand Prix. These events provide a real, hands-on, experiential learning opportunity for today's college students who will become tomorrow's engineers, business leaders, and innovators. The Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) is an endurance road-course track event that challenges the solar cars to complete the most laps over three 8-hour days on the track (a total of 24 hours of track time). Morning and evening charging hours allow the batteries to recharge using the solar array on the vehicle. The track event also serves as a qualifier for the American Solar Challenge. The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a road rally style event, typically lasting ~8 days and covering 1500-2000 miles. ASC is held every two years, consistent with the nominal 2-year design/build cycle for the solar car teams. The route varies as we aim to bring the solar cars to new communities and present new route challenges to the teams. ASC is setup in a series of stages, with checkpoints and stage points along the way, providing an excellent opportunity for the public to see the solar cars up close and meet the teams. As a distance-based event, teams follow a pre-defined base route and then can add extra mileage through the completing of optional challenge loops in select locations. The single-occupant vehicle (SOV) teams aim to complete as many miles as possible in the allotted time powered by the sun. For the multi-occupant vehicle (MOV) teams, they are seeking to optimize a scoring formula that takes into account multiple variables, including completing the mileage with passengers, any use of external charging, and a practicality score. These events are open to collegiate teams from around the world. It is impressive to see what these college students can do and the innovative designs they create!