Washington, DC — Partners for Automated Vehicle Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on automated vehicle technologies, today launched its annual Essay Contest and Scholarship Program. Now in its fourth year, the program encourages young people to contemplate a future with automated vehicles by writing about what this technology could mean for their communities, the economy, and the transportation system as a whole. The contest, which is held in a different state each year, is open to Michigan high school students for the 2025-2026 school year. Contest winners receive scholarship funding for college expenses.
“Michigan has always been a leader in transportation innovation, and today’s students will shape the next chapter of that story,” said PAVE Executive Director Tara Andringa. “Our essay contest gives them an opportunity to imagine what that chapter looks like and how vehicle automation may affect the future of transportation.”
The contest will accept submissions through February 28, 2026, and is open to all Michigan high school juniors and seniors. A committee of industry experts scores the student essays and selects the winners. Scholarship funding will be awarded to the top three submissions in the following amounts: $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place.
“Michigan has always been at the forefront of automotive and infrastructure technology, and we know that the future success of both lies in our youth,” said Michigan Department of Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, navigating workforce development changes as automated vehicle technology continues to improve both safety and efficiency.”
Funding for the scholarships is provided by PAVE, along with longtime essay contest sponsor STEER Tech. The contest is also supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
For more details about the contest, visit https://pavecampaign.org/events/essay-contest/.