Daimler Hosts "Road 2 Success" Day for Alliance HS

Thank you to the Daimler volunteers who organized the “Road 2 Success” for Alliance students!

As a long-time In4All partner, Daimler is always looking for new ways to support the mission. That is how the company ended up hosting 24 students from Alliance High School for a “Road 2 Success” day.

On February 16, the Advanced Engineering team at Daimler led the group of students on a tour of its facilities and to learn about all that goes into building a truck. It started with seeing the large wind tunnel where trucks and their components are tested for aerodynamic performance to improve fuel efficiency. Students also got a first-hand look at electric and autonomous vehicles that are in development, and were able to climb into the cab of an 80,000 pound rig to feel what it’s like to be a driver.

“The purpose of our event was so much more than seeing where trucks are tested, shaken and built,” said Barry Outen, the DEI Ambassador in Advanced Engineering. “It was about students learning there are always obstacles in life that get in the way and that overcoming these challenges shapes who we are.”

Students heard stories about how Daimler employees overcame obstacles to become the first generation college graduates in their families. They also heard how employees encounter challenges in design and building trucks that need to be overcome with creative solutions. Our hope is that hearing those stories will resonate with students in similar situations and it will inspire them to pursue their passion.

During the tour, some students were surprised by the spaciousness of the truck cab and the comfort of the driver’s seat as they imagine what it would be like to roll down the highway. Others debated whether they would trust sitting behind the wheel of a self-driving truck.

We would like to thank Barry Outen at Daimler who had the vision and diligence to conceptualize and execute this event for the Alliance students. We also appreciate the support of the Daimler departments that presented their technologies to a group of students who undoubtedly left Swan Island a little more inspired than when they came.

The In4All partnership with Alliance High School will continue with the involvement of a new business partner, Kinship. The veterinary technology company will engage students in a design-thinking program this spring.