January 14, 2026
THOMASVILLE, GA — Thomasville City Schools is proud to host its first-ever Advanced Manufacturing Pilot (AMP) Pinewood Derby Car Race on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Thomasville Speedway (Thomasville High School), marking an exciting milestone in the district’s growing partnership with Georgia Tech and its commitment to hands-on, workforce-aligned learning.
This event is part of a pilot program connected to Thomasville High School’s Advanced Manufacturing and Smart Manufacturing curriculum, developed in collaboration with Georgia Tech through the Georgia AIM (Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing) program. The Pinewood Derby race serves as a real-world application of engineering, design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills students are actively learning in the classroom.
“This project is about much more than a race,” said Dr. Scott Sweeting, Superintendent of Thomasville City Schools. “It’s about giving students authentic learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world careers. Partnering with Georgia Tech allows us to expose students to advanced manufacturing concepts in a way that is engaging, practical, and forward-thinking.”
Students participating in the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot designed, engineered, and tested their derby cars using industry-standard tools, including Fusion design software, CNC machines, and 3D printers. Throughout the process, students applied precision measurement, materials testing, data collection, and iterative design practices aligned with modern manufacturing and engineering careers.
Friday’s race serves as a practice round, allowing students to test performance, analyze results, and make improvements ahead of a larger regional competition next week against other local schools.
According to Ashley Palmer, Coordinator of STEM, CTAE, and Career Development, the pilot reflects the district’s broader Bulldog +1 initiative, which focuses on preparing students to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation.
“This is exactly the kind of learning experience we want for our students,” Palmer said. “They’re applying academic knowledge, collaborating with peers, and gaining exposure to careers in manufacturing and engineering—all while building confidence and skills that will serve them beyond high school.”
The Pinewood Derby pilot is supported by Thomasville City Schools’ Smart Manufacturing classroom investment, made possible through Georgia Tech and regional partners. The district also extends a special thank you to the Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) manufacturing staff for their assistance and expertise in supporting students throughout this pilot experience.
Thomasville City Schools looks forward to continuing its partnership with Georgia Tech, SRTC, and industry leaders as it expands hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to future careers, pathways, and real-world applications.
