High School STEM Grant Fuels Expansion

By: Callie Shensky | Social Media Manager | Mar 4, 2026

Photo: APBA

High School STEM Grant Fuels Expansion of Cal-Ore Junior River Racers Program

GRANTS PASS, OR – The American Power Boat Association is pleased to announce a significant expansion of the Cal-Ore Junior River Racers program, driven by a new partnership with local education safely bringing the next generation of racers to the water.

STEM in the Workshop

Following a year of high participation and community interest, three high schools in Grants Pass, Oregon, have integrated the Junior River Racers program into their curriculum. Utilizing a grant specifically designed to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning, welding classes at these schools are currently tasked with constructing four new race boats.

The schools received their boat kits several weeks ago and are reportedly making steady progress on the builds. This hands-on project allows students to apply technical welding and engineering skills to a real-world maritime application.

Program Mission and Safety Standards

The primary objective of the Cal-Ore Junior program is to instill the values of safety and sportsmanship in young drivers through a structured environment. To ensure a safe transition into the sport, the program has established rigorous entry requirements:

Oral Examination: All new drivers must pass a verbal test conducted by race officials or the Junior committee.

Mandatory Practice: New participants are required to complete practice laps and sessions prior to competing in sanctioned heats.

Strict Speed Governance: Speed limits are strictly enforced based on age groups, with a maximum of 30 mph for ages 9-12 and 40 mph for ages 12-16.

Technical Specifications and Parity

To maintain a level playing field, the program utilizes a "One Design" format. All boats are 8 feet in length and 4 feet wide. While the Kawasaki 650 is the standard engine, Kawasaki 750 motors are permitted for the 2025 and 2026 seasons to maximize boat availability and participation.

The Junior committee oversees mechanical parity by collecting all boats before races to adjust throttle locks, ensuring that victory is determined by driver skill rather than equipment advantages.

How to Get Involved

As the program continues to grow, the APBA encourages interested students, parents, and community members to reach out for more information. Detailed technical updates and progress reports on the current high school builds can be found at: https://www.sitkaengineering.com/newsletter/update6.

For inquiries regarding enrollment or supporting the Cal-Ore Junior River Racers, please contact Math Richardson at Math.Richardson@gmail.com.

High School STEM Grant Fuels Expansion

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