Introduction
We as Microsoft NTA are thrilled to announce our ongoing partnership with NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth, aimed at bridging the gap between STEM education and the exciting world of motorsports. This collaboration is part of our commitment to empowering nonprofits and educators to inspire the next generation of tech-savvy individuals.
Our Partnership with Rajah Caruth
Rajah Caruth, an American professional stock car racing driver, competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports. Born on June 11, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia, Caruth has made significant strides in his racing career, including winning the 2024 Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Caruth is notable for being the third Black driver to win in one of NASCAR's three national series, joining Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace. He is also a product of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program.
Racing with Rajah: A STEM Initiative
Our collaboration has led to the development of the "Racing with Rajah" program, now available on the Microsoft Learn platform. This virtual program offers an immersive experience for students aged 12-15, exploring STEM concepts through the lens of motorsports. Supported by Microsoft, GM Motorsports, and Rajah Caruth, the program includes practical activities using Azure tools and covers topics such as physics, vehicle mechanics, and AI-driven race strategies.
Nonprofit organizations have the flexibility to host the "Racing with Rajah" curriculum in-house or bring it directly to students through partnerships with local youth clubs and community-based initiatives. This program can be integrated into settings like Boys & Girls Clubs, Best Buy Teen Tech Centers™, local STEM camps, and after-school programs.
Local community centers, libraries, and recreational facilities can also provide accessible venues for hosting the program, bringing STEM education directly to neighborhood students. Educators can integrate the curriculum into classroom activities, after-school programs, and STEM clubs, enriching students' learning experiences with real-world applications.
Previous Events an Example of Use Case
Recently, we had a successful event at the Martin Luther King Library in Washington, DC, where students from Schools Without Borders joined to learn more about the curriculum and experience a NASCAR truck simulator. This event showcased the practical applications of the "Racing with Rajah" program and provided an engaging hands-on experience for the students.
Finish Line
Rajah Caruth's journey is a testament to perseverance, diversity, and the power of collaboration. As we continue to support and work with Rajah, we are proud to be part of his story and contribute to the nonprofit tech community. We encourage nonprofits and educators to take advantage of the “ Racing with Rajah - Microsoft Learn Educator Center | Microsoft Learn” program to inspire and educate the next generation.
Watch the impact in action—check out this LinkedIn post featuring a video from our Racing with Rajah partnership.
