In November of 1996 a group of students from Jackson County Comprehensive High School in rural north Georgia made a unique presentation to Jackson Electric Membership Corporation. To learn more about alternative transportation technology, environmental issues,
and to help other students learn thought hands-on activities and in-service learning, they wanted to construct an electric go-kart. With funding and technical assistance from Jackson EMC, these students completed the state’s first high school student-built electric vehicle in November, 1997. With continued effort and involvement of many dedicated volunteers and teachers, this simple business/education partnership helped spawn a state-wide program of using electric vehicles to teach science, technology, and environmental concepts in an exciting, innovative way.
By 2005 the
program had grown to over 30 middle and high schools around the state. A
pilot study conducted by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives
Association’s Cooperative Research Network helped launch programs patterned
after the Georgia program in Arkansas and Indiana. Annual EV Rallies allowed
student teams to test their electric vehicles in challenging driving events
and their expertise in academic competitions.
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