Mark Thompson beamed with pride as he opened a door inside his computer science classroom at Thomas County Central High School. There, in what was once a utility room, now stands a shiny new CNC machine — the same kind of machine used in growing manufacturing companies across Thomas County and the larger southwest Georgia region.

Throughout the fall, Thompson and his students, along with classes at Thomasville High School and Bainbridge High School, learned manufacturing principles as they designed and prototyped small race cars. The lessons culminated in a race, as the schools took part in a friendly competition to see which Pinewood Derby-style race car would win.

But the program was more than racing small cars. Provided by a grant from Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) through its partner, the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, the special lessons extended the reach of the Rural Computer Science Initiative, a program of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The program launched in the fall of 2025, pairing Georgia Tech faculty with teachers in rural Southwest Georgia to give students hands-on experience in modern engineering methods. Students learned digital design tools, 3D printing, how to machine equipment, and record performance data as they built small race cars from scratch.

The final race was the culmination of everything they learned, wrapped into one competitively fun event.

Sum of the Parts

Instruction is led by faculty at Georgia Tech, but it’s a partnership with local teachers. Students start by diving into digital design, learning how different models affect wind resistance or stability. As these files become reality through 3D printing, students begin to make the connection between design and the manufacturing process.

Students also collect data throughout the semester, taking note of readings such as temperature and cycle times, then use the computer coding program Python to analyze results and visualize what’s happening. They also use AI to make race-day predictions.

Kyle Saleeby, a research engineer with Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Institute who developed the curriculum for the course, said it was designed to show students the possibilities within manufacturing. And even though it is rooted in engineering principles, Saleeby said he didn’t simplify any of the technical concepts for the high school audience.

“High school students are very clever and even more creative,” he said. “I only changed the scenarios and how the concepts are presented.”

Down the road in Bainbridge, students were the first to have race-ready creations. Amy Zock, director of instructional and innovative technology for Decatur County Schools, said the program has been more than an engineering challenge — it’s been a mindset shift for students.

“Working with Georgia Tech directly opens our students to the idea that they can be part of something like Georgia Tech,” she said. “What may have previously seemed unattainable is now tangible. It may be cliché to call something a game-changer, but it would be hard to deny that this partnership has changed the game for our students and instructors.”

Classroom Coordination

Including local teachers in the process is key. You can outfit a classroom all day with cutting-edge equipment, but if they don’t know how it works, they’ll never be able to work it into future lessons. That’s why Georgia Tech built a support model for educators into the program. Teachers learned to operate and troubleshoot the advanced equipment and became comfortable with modern digital design tools.

Now, teachers can work the manufacturing and engineering challenges into other classes without needing to lean on the Georgia Tech instructors.

“None of this would be possible without the local educators,” said Saleeby. “They are the secret of this program. We’re only empowering them with new tools and resources to increase opportunities for their students.”

And, knowing these engineering and manufacturing principles helps set students up for success after graduation. Southwest Georgia is rich in small manufacturing companies, but in order for them to grow, they need home-grown talent.

Georgia AIM-funded programs such as this and new advanced manufacturing labs at nearby Southern Regional Technical College now pave the way for students’ career success.

But for now, the students are focused on one goal: Getting their cars to the finish line.

“I’ve always loved cars,” said one Bainbridge High School student on race day. “Actually being able to design them on CAD just broadens that passion even more.”