What happens when students in Automotive Technology, Engineering Design, Metal Fabrication, Information Technology, and Construction Technology come together to solve a real-world challenge?
At Grant Career Center, the answer is electric.
For the past two years, Grant’s innovative House Model has been redefining what cross-curricular learning looks like in career technical education. Designed to break down the walls between classrooms and encourage authentic collaboration, the model gives students an opportunity to work together on a shared project that mirrors the teamwork they will experience in the workforce.
That challenge? Designing, building, and racing electric go-karts in preparation for the prestigious Purdue evGrandPrix High School Championship.
During the final two quarters of the school year, participating labs shift into high gear as students take ownership of different aspects of the build.
Construction Technology students play a critical role in the project, helping bring engineering concepts to life through hands-on fabrication, assembly, and problem-solving. Their technical skills, combined with collaboration from partner labs, transform ideas on paper into competition-ready race machines.
Automotive Technology students focus on diagnostics, performance, and mechanical systems. Engineering Design students tackle planning, design modifications, and technical problem-solving. Metal Fabrication students assist with structural fabrication and custom components. Information Technology students support digital systems, technical documentation, and project communication.
Together, the project becomes much more than a race.
It becomes a living classroom.
“The House Model brings career technical education to life by breaking down the walls between classrooms and allowing students to work together on real projects with real purpose. That’s where the most powerful learning happens.” - Brad Jacskson, Director of Curriculum
Th e evGrandPrix High School Championship challenges students to compete in an authentic STEM-based competition that combines engineering, efficiency, innovation, and race performance.
But for Grant students, the biggest lessons happen long before race day.
Students learn to communicate across disciplines. They solve real problems under deadlines. They troubleshoot setbacks, adapt plans, and rely on one another to keep moving forward.
“It was an amazing experience. Grant should absolutely continue investing in opportunities like this—it was awesome.” - Landon Collins, 2027 Metal Fabrication
This kind of learning reflects exactly what career technical education is meant to be—not isolated instruction, but authentic experiences that prepare students for the workforce.
For Construction Technology students especially, the experience reinforces the importance of craftsmanship, teamwork, and adaptability in a real project environment.
This is not worksheet learning.
This is project management. Collaboration. Innovation.
This is Grant Career Center.
And this is what it looks like to Choose to be Great.