Submitted by: Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, Program Director of Student Engagement & Co-Advisor of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), & Dr. Warren Edwards, APS STEM Coordinator
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Pirelli Tire LLC are proud to highlight the growing impact of their groundbreaking STEM partnership, designed to ignite student innovation and strengthen teacher leadership across the district. Through the P.A.L.S. (Pirelli Assisting Leaders in STEM) Program, this collaboration is equipping APS educators and students with real-world STEM experiences that connect classroom standards to cutting-edge industries.
STEM Coaches Tour Pirelli Factory
This September, APS STEM coaches participated in a professional development session at Pirelli’s manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia. The visit provided a powerful entry point into project-based learning, giving educators the chance to see how engineering, robotics, coding, materials science, and sustainability intersect in modern tire manufacturing.
Educators left the experience inspired:
“Visiting the Pirelli Factory opened my eyes to how innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to shape the future of manufacturing.”
“What impressed me most was Pirelli’s ability to balance high performance with environmental responsibility.”
“Their work is a true integration of all four STEM disciplines. I now have a deeper STEM lens for thinking about tire manufacturing.”
Pirelli’s ambitious vision of achieving a zero-carbon footprint in the coming years also resonated deeply with educators. “Pirelli’s approach to sustainability demonstrates that a global company can lead in both innovation and environmental stewardship,” noted one participant.
A Mission-Driven Partnership
The APS × Pirelli partnership reflects a shared mission: to foster innovation, leadership, and excitement in STEM education while building a sustainable pipeline of diverse STEM talent. Together, APS and Pirelli envision a future where every student is empowered to pursue passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—leading to dynamic careers and a stronger, more innovative community.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Students and Teachers
Building on this momentum, the partnership will expand throughout the 2025–2026 school year with opportunities including:
- STEM Fair sponsorships at select APS schools, with Pirelli staff serving as judges and mentors.
- Mentorship programs connecting APS students and teachers with Pirelli engineers and professionals.
- Scholarship and grant awards to recognize outstanding student innovators and support teacher leaders.
- Hands-on experiences such as plant visits, STEM workshops, and real-world problem-solving challenges.
By investing in both educators and students, APS and Pirelli are creating a model partnership that bridges education and industry, one that prepares young people to lead in the sustainable, innovation-driven economy of the future.
As one APS STEM leader summarized, “From efficiency in operations to eco-conscious practices, Pirelli set a strong example of how industries can drive a greener future. I’m excited about partnering further with Pirelli!”
Together, APS and Pirelli are driving innovation, fueling futures, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
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