ASBE Foundation – Encouraging Creative Careers in the Automotive Industry

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The American Society of Body Engineers (ASBE) Foundation “provide means for any individual to achieve education in all phases of vehicle design; to encourage secondary education students to consider and pursue careers in vehicle design; to keep the vehicle design workforce abreast of the changes in technology; to fund research in areas that are related to vehicle design; and to fund vehicle design related curricula development.”

This past weekend, it was all about students showcasing their designs in front of 1000’s that have a passion for vehicle design.

Of course, there were beautiful cars, works of art in body craftsmanship.  But my favorites had to be the two student teams that used SOLIDWORKS, Oakland University FSAE team and St. Clair County Community College Baja Team.

My friend and former SOLIDWORKS VAR Owner, David Darbyshire, sits on the board of directors at ASBE Foundation.  This year, he was the key note speaker, with a clear message, “to inspire industry and educational partners to connect with the next generation of skilled trade professionals.”

At SOLIDWORKS, our mission is to provided skilled qualified students and graduates to our commercial customers and create the next generation of educators. So David, we share your message to our community of students, educators, designers, engineers and manufacturers.

Thank you Daniel Giacomin, Oakland University, Grizzlies Racing FSAE team, Rochester Hills, MI for speaking with so many students and industry professionals.  Good luck in Formula SAE Michigan.

Thank you Jason Justice, St Clair County Community College SC4 Baja Team, Port Huron, MI for keeping us entertained at SAE Baja events.  Yes you can do so much at a community college!  Thank you for showcasing the robots too,

 

High school students can apply for the Design Challenge 2026 competition here. Deadline April 3, 2026.

 

Thank you David for your continue support of engineering education and the automotive industry. The ASBE Foundation continues to provide scholarship opportunities and financial aid.

 

Design well, Marie

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1