Stellantis Drives to Encourage School-Age Car Designers

Key Takeaways

• Stellantis launches Drive for Design Junior contest for K‑9 students
• Contest split into three age brackets: K‑3, 4‑6, 7‑9
• Theme “Design the Future of Fast” using Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram
• Grand‑prize winners selected per age group; two extra finalists announced
• Deadline April 23, 2026; entries submitted via StellantisDriveForDesign.com

Pulse Analysis

Automakers have increasingly turned to education outreach to nurture the next generation of designers and engineers, recognizing that early exposure to automotive concepts can spark lifelong interest in STEM fields. Programs ranging from school partnerships to design challenges serve dual purposes: they build brand affinity among young consumers and create a talent pipeline for future product development. In an era where vehicle architecture is rapidly evolving—driven by electrification, autonomous technology, and new mobility models—cultivating creative thinking at the elementary level helps manufacturers stay ahead of shifting consumer expectations.

The 2026 Drive for Design Junior contest, launched by Stellantis, targets students from kindergarten through ninth grade and divides participants into three age groups: K‑3, 4‑6, and 7‑9. The theme, “Design the Future of Fast,” requires entrants to re‑imagine a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle as a high‑performance concept. A panel of Stellantis designers will select a grand‑prize winner in each bracket, plus two additional finalists, with submissions due by April 23. Winners receive mentorship, design software access, and the chance to see their concepts showcased on the company’s social channels, providing tangible incentives for young creators.

Stellantis’s initiative reflects a broader industry trend where OEMs use youth contests to reinforce brand relevance and harvest fresh design ideas. As electric powertrains and autonomous features dominate future vehicle platforms, early exposure to design thinking can accelerate adoption of innovative aesthetics and user‑experience paradigms. Competitors such as Ford and General Motors have launched similar programs, intensifying the race for the next wave of automotive talent. By embedding its design language in classroom projects, Stellantis not only cultivates future engineers but also gathers consumer‑driven insights that could shape its upcoming model lineup.