Journal Times coverage: Students compete in 'Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines: The Science Fair Race'

By Ryan Patterson


RACINE — Fifth grade student teams presented information and raced battery-powered cars on an obstacle course during a “Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines: The Science Fair Race” event at Knapp Elementary, 2701 17th St., the afternoon of March 24.

The same thing happened that morning at Julian Thomas Elementary.

The events are a partnership between the Racine Unified School District, United Way of Racine County, Modine and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines: The Science Fair Race focused on battery-powered vehicles and importance of clean air

Winners of Modine- and Milwaukee Bucks-sponsored effort were awarded prizes at assemblies featuring Bucks mascot Bango and trampoline dunking team Rim Rockers

March 27, 2025 (Racine, WI) — Julian Thomas Elementary and Knapp Elementary fifth-graders participated in the almost two-month-long science fair that culminated in an award assembly Thursday, where winners were announced and prizes were awarded with the help of Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango, and included a performance by the trampoline dunking Rim Rockers.

CBS58 Coverage: Science fair at Racine elementary school comes with a big prize

By Jenna Wells, CBS58 News Milwaukee

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A special STEM project at a Racine elementary school comes with a big prize, thanks to United Way and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Fifth grade students at Knapp Elementary School in Racine had a special type of science fair, showcasing their very own electric cars.

"We had to get batteries and a motor and connect the wires so it could turn on. We had a switch," said student Jonah Soto.

For many of the students, it was a lesson in perseverance.

United Way’s Equity Through Technology Fund is again accepting applications for equity-based technology projects

Collaboration with Microsoft continues to help address disparities through technology

Feb. 4, 2025 (Racine, WI) — United Way of Racine County is pleased to announce that the Equity Through Technology Fund is again accepting applications for technology projects that aim to increase equity or reduce disparities.

The Equity Through Technology Fund, a collaboration with Microsoft, first launched in December 2023. Twelve projects received funding, serving 638 Racine County residents to date.

United Way celebrates 2024 campaign with Victory celebration

Jan. 28, 2025 (Racine, WI) - More than 300 supporters gathered Thursday, Jan. 23, at Festival Hall to celebrate the organization’s 102nd community campaign for United Way of Racine County’s annual Victory celebration.

United Way President and CEO Ali Haigh, United Way board chair Brian Agen and United Way 2024 campaign chair Jason Greenwood shared highlights of the annual campaign and the impact created by the United Way and the programs and agencies supported by donations to the campaign.

Interested in helping out?