Pulaski Co., VA. — A new classroom program in Pulaski County is putting electric vehicle technology in the hands of students — and it aims to turn that practical education into local careers in the New River Valley.
The first-year STEM pilot program brought together schools, industry leaders and university partners to give students introductory training in electric vehicle technology. Pulaski High School classrooms explored the physics behind designing and optimizing electric vehicle batteries using hands-on STEM kits.
The initiative is led by Dock to Door, the SAE Foundation and Virginia Clean Cities, with support from Volvo, Camaret Logistics and Patton Logistics – all companies that manufacture or operate electric heavy-duty vehicles.
A showcase event was held at Pulaski Middle School on Tuesday, March 31, where students showcased what they created and learned throughout the program.
Students tackle real-world problem solving
Pulaski County High School junior Matthew Cole described how the practical work challenged him and his classmates to think critically.
The trial-and-error nature of making EV batteries was part of the point, Cole said.
“It’s all about trying to solve the problem, realizing, ‘Oh, there’s something else wrong, now we have to fix that too,'” he said. “It was a really fun experience, it helped me learn a lot, and with the knowledge McCleary already has from all this, we can make it much better for new students.”
Engineering teacher Ellie McCleary said the benefits extend far beyond electric vehicles.
“It helps a lot with their problem-solving skills and their creativity and they can use it in any field later on,” McCleary said.
Industry wants to require technicians in the field
Pam Martin, who works in human resources at Patton Logistics Group, said the program is about more than just education — it’s about retaining talent in the community.
“It helps create pathways for students to keep jobs local so they can realize what’s out there in the community and what they can do through technical programs in schools,” Martin said.
Martin said the rapid pace of change in the industry makes early exposure important.
“I mean, everything is going electric, technology changes so frequently,” she said.
Virginia Tech Bolt Program
Virginia Tech Bolt’s leadership also played a role in student engagement during the program.
Mason DiGiorgio, Bolt principal at Virginia Tech, said it was both fun and important for students to break down electric vehicle technology.
“It’s really fun to teach them that it’s not a gas car or a gas bike that has an engine — we have some batteries, we have some props to show them what it looks like on the inside,” DiGiorgio said.
Fellow Bolt Lead Olivia Griffin said being part of an emerging technology made the experience especially meaningful.
“It’s really cool to be a part of an emerging technology and learn different things about it,” Griffin said.
A pilot program with big ambitions
Organizers say this year was just the beginning. The pilot program – now in its first year – they hope will be expanded so more students can train for high-tech jobs across the region.
Electric vehicles represent a rapidly growing market, and the demand for trained technicians is constantly increasing. By now incorporating EV education into the classroom, program leaders say students in Southwest Virginia will be better positioned to fill those roles locally rather than having to leave the area for opportunities elsewhere.
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