Photos: Tyler Anderson/ProSport Management
First Bank of Alabama partners with Talladega Superspeedway to host a hands-on educational STEM event for seventh graders.
By Christyna Yang
Talladega, Alabama is home to the $900 million First Bank of Alabama, but it is also home to Talladega Superspeedway, a famous NASCAR race track. So it’s fitting that Chad Jones, Chairman and CEO, and Mitch Key, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who grew up in or near Talladega, have developed a relationship with the superspeed people.
The two companies have partnered to develop a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program event for local seventh graders that is held at the racetrack. “[The superspeedway management team] he approached us with the idea of sponsoring a day at the racetrack,” Key says. “The events are usually the Friday of the race weekend, where we bring young people from across our footprint, which is six counties in east-central Alabama.”
“At Talladega, we can show you one of the biggest sports that has all kinds of jobs. You don’t have to be a race car driver to be associated with NASCAR.”
—Mitch Key, First Bank of Alabama
Jones is a big advocate of sharing real life opportunities within STEM fields. In his hometown, NASCAR presents a range of opportunities. With the program, he wanted to show students that NASCAR isn’t just about the driver. It is a collaboration of the whole team.
“These are just a few of the opportunities we wanted to introduce that are right here in our backyard,” he says. “At Talladega, we can show you one of the biggest sports that has all kinds of jobs. You don’t have to be a race car driver to be associated with NASCAR.”
On these special Fridays, around 500 students can take a look at the different jobs available in NASCAR. First Bank of Alabama employees serve as tour guides, taking them through stations where they can see positions ranging from crew chief to engineer to auto mover and more. They also learn how to build a race car and what it takes to run a racetrack.
Applying what they have learned in the classroom to each station on Superspeedway is an integral part of the STEM program. One of the most popular stations involves the spotter, located at the highest point of the Superspeedway. Spotters communicate with drivers to help them during the race. Students can try on headphones and learn about radio communication and the importance of technology for careers.
As a final station, students have the opportunity to speak with Daniel Hemric, driver of Kaulig Racing’s No. 11 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. At the age of five, he started go-karting and realized his passion for racing. Now a NASCAR driver for eight years, he spends 33 weekends a year racing in the Xfinity Series. The students are happy to ask questions that keep Hemric on his toes.
the lesson of life
At its core, the collaboration between First Bank of Alabama and Talladega Superspeedway brings STEM to life in a fun way. Community Bank understands how to make learning practical and enjoyable.
“This was a perfect match between the youth, the racetrack and the First Bank of Alabama,” says Key. “We’re excited, our employees are excited about this, everyone’s looking forward to doing STEM, because we recognize the impact it’s having. So, it’s been a win-win in every way.”
“[Children] have leaders within their community, like First Bank of Alabama, Talladega Superspeedway, and other people involved, supporting them.”
—Daniel Hemric, NASCAR
Aiming to pique students’ curiosity and show that careers don’t have to be mundane, Key wants to leave them feeling inspired. “I hope the community sees that First Bank of Alabama is committed to our youth and growing our communities,” he says. “Our youth are our future. I think whatever we can invest in them, and whatever we can do to help them succeed… I just don’t know of a much bigger calling than that.”
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
The event has generated much positive feedback and attention from parents, teachers, administrators, and students. The students even ask Jones for autographs. “Their thanks to him, the letters I’ve received where they’ve drawn pictures or handwritten notes, are proof of their appreciation,” says Jones. “It’s good to see that we still have good things in the communities we serve.”
Confident of the event’s impact on students, Hemric hopes his perspective on leadership and community will resonate with them.
“They have leaders within their community, like First Bank of Alabama, Talladega Superspeedway, and other people involved, supporting them,” he says. “People are trying to do everything they can to make sure they have a successful journey through life, and people have their back. I know that was important to me growing up, and it’s a big part of what First Bank of Alabama is about.”
christina yang is an editorial assistant at independent banker.
