Bryan County Students Earn Global STEM Opportunity with Industry Support

April 30, 2026

Photo Credit: Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zachary Dykes, zdykes@bryancountyga.gov

Bryan County Students Earn Global STEM Opportunity with Industry Support

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (April 30, 2026) — The Development Authority of Bryan County (DABC) is recognizing a major milestone for local students following their success at the Georgia Hydrogen Grand Prix State Finals. With support from Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), winning teams will travel to Switzerland this summer to compete in the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix World Championship.

The program challenges students to design and race hydrogen-powered vehicles, building realworld skills in engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving while introducing them to careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

“Programs like H2GP give students hands-on experience in engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving,” said Brandon Ramirez, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America. “By supporting their journey to the World Championship, we’re helping ensure these students can apply their STEM learning on a global stage and fully realize the results of their hard work.”

“We’re extremely grateful for HMGMA Hyundai’s generosity. Support like this highlights the importance of strong partnerships between education and industry,” said Jonathan Shearer, Director of CTAE, Federal and Special Programs with Bryan County Schools. “Competing on an international stage is an incredible opportunity for our students as they develop advanced STEM and engineering skills that will directly impact our local workforce for years to come.”

For DABC, the moment reflects the power of intentional collaboration between industry and education.

“As the bridge between industry, the Bryan County School System and the workforce, this partnership exemplifies the purpose and mission of the DABC,” said Ryan Purvis, CEO of the Development Authority of Bryan County. “This intentional support from HMGMA directly fosters the opportunity for our STEM students to grow and understand that they can have amazing careers…here at home.”