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Cody Students See STEM Career Opportunities In Action At Detroit Grand Prix (Video)

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - As many race fans filled the seats along the track at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park when the IndyCars took to the course, Jonice Sylvester and her classmates from Cody High School stayed in the paddock to learn more about the science behind racing.

Sylvester, a junior at Cody High School, went behind-the-scenes on Comerica Bank Free Prix Day to tour the race facilities and speak with professionals about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related careers in racing and automotive industries.

She initially wanted to pursue a career in forensic sciences, but after becoming involved in the robotics team and innovative vehicle design team, she sharpened her focus.

"I found my real passion," said Sylvester, who hopes to one day build race cars. "I hope to one day do this as a career."

This is the third year consecutive year Comerica has hosted Free Prix Day and hosted Detroit Public School students at the race.

"Everybody thinks it's just the race car driver, there is so much behind the scenes," said Janice Tessier, Comerica vice president, national manager corporate contributions.

Greg Scott brought his iPad to the tour to capture the moments of seeing the latest in racing technology up close. He also enjoyed the "personal" opportunity to speak with race teams about the intricate details of racing.

"I have always been interested in cars, engines, every aspect of a car," he said. "Being here today and seeing all this in person is amazing."

Just moments after Tony Kanaan left the Chip Ganassi Racing Paddock area, the students had a chance to hear from General Motors IndyCar Series Program Manager Chris Berube, and ask him questions about the automotive industry and motor sports.

"It's important for the STEM kids to come through here and see in the flesh what they might not have only seen on TV," said Berube.  "It generates positive citizens that come into the industry either in motor sports or into the industry of producing great cars and trucks."

Chad Segriest, STEAM coordinator and science teacher at the Detroit Institute of Technology at Cody High School, has found an uptick in interest engineering due to the programs and partnerships offered through the Detroit Grand Prix.

Last week the school's innovative vehicle design team competed on Belle Isle to convert a vehicle from gas to electric power. On Friday, 30 students returned to the island to see the professionals in action.

"Three years ago there wasn't anyone considering an engineering degree," said Segriest, who finds the students are engaged and inspired by their visit. "That is changing ... that is what they want to do. They have become passionate about it and they are developing the skills to get there."

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