Future Engineers in Motion: SAE AWIM JetToy Competition Returns to Columbus with Support from Kia chevron right

COLUMBUS, Ga. (March 5, 2026) - Nearly 300 fifth grade students from 15 schools across five districts in Georgia and Alabama put their STEM skills to the test during the SAE International A World In Motion® (AWIM®) JetToy Competition, supported by Kia Georgia, on Feb. 26, 2026, at Columbus Convention & Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia. Students competed in events focused on time, distance, and accuracy using balloon-powered JetToy vehicles designed and tested through the AWIM JetToy classroom challenge.

Through the JetToy curriculum, students work in teams to explore concepts including forces, motion, and engineering design while building essential skills like collaboration, problem solving, and communication.

"Kia Georgia is proud to support hands-on learning that helps students see how classroom STEM connects to real-world careers," said Stuart Countess, Kia Georgia's President and CEO. "It is especially meaningful to see our team members volunteering alongside educators and partners to help inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators."

The event was supported by over 50 volunteers from Kia Georgia, Panasonic Automotive, the SAE Atlanta Section, members of the Auburn University Baja SAE team and students from Jordan Vocational High School. Throughout the day, these volunteers served as judges and mentors, guiding student teams, evaluating performances, and reinforcing the real-world connections between STEM education and engineering careers.

"At SAE, we focus our efforts on advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity, and that commitment begins in the classroom," said Chris Ciuca, Vice President of Programs, SAE International. "The AWIM JetToy program introduces students to the engineering design process in a hands-on and accessible way, helping them see how STEM concepts connect to real world mobility challenges. By engaging students early, we are building curiosity, confidence, and the foundation for the next generation of mobility innovators."

Top schools placing in each STEM competition category include:

Time - Longest time of travel:

• 1^st Hillcrest Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #56
• 2^nd Callaway Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #50
• 3^rd Hollis Hand Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #65

Accuracy - Best average accuracy within a target:

• 1^st Berta Weathersbee Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #60
• 2^nd Long Cane Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #51
• 3^rd Long Cane Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #52

Distance - Farthest distance traveled:

• 1^st Rosemont Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #64
• 2^nd Hillcrest Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #56
• 3^rd Rosemont Elementary School (LaGrange, GA) - Team #62

About SAE A World In Motion®(AWIM®)

SAE International's award-winning A World In Motion (AWIM) program is an inquiry-based, hands-on learning experience that brings STEM concepts to life, providing students with knowledge and skills to help them succeed in future education, careers, and life. Starting with the youngest learners, from preschool through 12th grade, AWIM combines practical, experiential learning with mentorship from industry volunteers and ongoing training and support for educators to advance equitable access to STEM. http://www.sae.org/awim

About SAE Foundation

The mission of the SAE Foundation is to increase student achievement and participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to build a STEM-fluent workforce. Funds raised by the SAE Foundation support SAE International's award-winning A World In Motion® (AWIM) program, Collegiate Design Series™ (CDS), awards and scholarships. SAE's STEM education programs enable students to develop the 21st century skills needed to succeed in real-world work environments and connect classroom learning with real-life application. SAE's STEM programs have reached more than 7 million students worldwide and engaged more than 30,000 STEM industry professionals as volunteers. Get involved today http://www.saefoundation.org

About Kia Georgia

Kia Georgia, Inc. is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 350,000 units, Kia Georgia is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Ga. and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. Kia Georgia is home to the Telluride, Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models) and Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models) SUVs and the all-electric EV9 and EV6. https://www.kiageorgia.com/

Media Contacts

Kia Georgia Media Contact:
Patrick Sands
Kia Georgia
[email protected]

SAE Media Contact:
Jeff Laskowski
SAE International
248.925.4770
[email protected]