High School Students Extended Invitation for #DesignDrive: Crafting Chrysler's Car of Tomorrow
The annual Stellantis Drive for Design contest is back, inviting U.S. high school students to showcase their creative automotive designs and potentially kickstart their careers in the industry. This competition, now in its 13th year, is sponsored by Stellantis North America and is open to students across the United States.
The contest, initiated by Mark Trostle, senior vice president of design for Ram Truck and Mopar, aims to ignite a passion for automotive design in the next generation. The grand-prize winner and two finalists will be selected by a panel of Stellantis designers, with the winning designs showcased on Stellantis North America's social media channels.
Prizes for the winners
The grand-prize winner will receive an Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, as well as a summer internship at the Ram Truck design studio. The second- and third-place winners will each receive an Apple iPad. Additionally, all winners will have a virtual networking opportunity with the Stellantis design team.
Past winners of the Drive for Design contest have secured internships and full-time positions within the Stellantis design team. Notable alumni include Rohan Seiber of Portola Valley, California, and Ben Treinen of Loveland, Ohio.
Real-world experience
Winning the contest offers more than just prizes. Winners receive hands-on experience by sketching and developing their designs alongside industry professionals. For example, Ryan Panizzoli, a recent Drive for Design winner, spent the summer sketching at Stellantis. This exposure provides valuable insight into automotive design, professional mentorship, and a platform to showcase their talents within a leading global car manufacturer.
A legacy of inspiration
Mark Trostle, who won an early iteration of the contest himself as a high school student in 1987, finds immense joy in drawing cars and trucks. He believes the contest is about more than just sketching; it's about inspiring the next generation of automotive designers.
Stellantis North America encourages students, educators, and parents to follow the contest on its social media platforms using the hashtag #DriveForDesign. Contest details, including official rules and submission guidelines, can be found at StellantisDriveForDesign.com.
All entries must be submitted by midnight EDT on April 25, 2025. So, get your sketchbooks ready and start envisioning the future of the Chrysler brand!
- The Stellantis Drive for Design contest, now in its 13th year, extends beyond automotive design, as winners can also have a chance to explore home-and-garden and lifestyle concepts, given their internship at the Ram Truck design studio.
- In addition to designs related to cars and car-maintenance, Stellantis is also keen to encourage electric-vehicle innovations, as it encourages the next generation of designers to think about sustainable mobility solutions.
