GM sponsors nationwide fuel cell education program

FOR RELEASE: July 29, 2002

Jackie Robinson Students Experiment With Working Fuel Cell Technology

GM sponsors nationwide fuel cell education program

NEW YORK - Jackie Robinson Junior High School students experimented with hydrogen fuel cell technology during the GM "Tech Tour for Students" at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park today.

GM's fuel cell program executive and former NASA shuttle commander, Ken Cameron assisted students with the assembly of a hydrogen fuel cell model car. Water poured into the fuel cell was separated into hydrogen and oxygen that, when processed, created the three volts of energy to power the vehicle that students typically see two AA batteries provide.

"Within their lifetimes, fuel cell technology will be part of these students daily lives," said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president of environment and energy. "By creating a curriculum that explores the technology now, we hope revolutionary ideas and research will make that day come a little sooner."

The program is traveling to key U.S. cities throughout the summer in conjunction with GM's 2002 Technology Tour and is an extension of GM's nationwide in-school fuel cell education curriculum. Students learned about ongoing fuel cell research, possible uses for the technology, and the positive environmental and economic benefits of a hydrogen economy. They also got the opportunity to see many of GM's advanced technology vehicles.

The GM 2002 Technology Tour educates local public policy leaders about innovative vehicles and technologies that will have a positive impact on the environment. Included in the tour are GM's AUTOnomy concept vehicle, the S-10 Reformer fuel cell vehicle and clean diesels.

GM's nationwide in-school fuel cell education program is called "Fuel Cells: Driving the Future." The in-school program is expected to reach nearly 3.5 million middle school students. Developed by Lifetime Learning Systems, a division of Weekly Reader Corp., the program provides science teachers with an engaging curriculum that highlights the fundamentals of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

"GM has created and supported these education initiatives because we believe they are essential in creating a sustainable future," said Lowery. "Through our outreach programs, we show young people that we all have a responsibility to protect our environment."

"Tech Tour for Students," and "Fuel Cells: Driving the Future" are part of GM's broader K-12 environmental and energy education program, which strives to enlighten and educate children about important issues that could impact their futures. GM's educational initiatives provide timely and interesting information, as well as suggestions for applying these ideas in a science curriculum.

General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. It has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM employs about 355,000 people around the world. More information on General Motors can be found at www.gmability.com.

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