Mike Merchant
Chair
CEO of Codazen and a Bob Franz alum who raced Electrathon and solar cars. Brings 25+ years of digital innovation experience to the Foundation.
About Electrathon America
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS
Electrathon America is driven by the Bob Franz Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring students through hands-on electric vehicle design, engineering, and competition. By bringing STEM education to life, we’re developing tomorrow’s engineers, problem solvers, and innovators.
— SHAPING OUR FUTURE
WHY EFFICIENCY MATTERS
The future won’t be built by wasting resources. It will be built by engineers, technicians, and innovators who can accomplish more with less.
From electric vehicles and renewable energy to aerospace and advanced manufacturing, efficiency drives progress. The ability to maximize performance while minimizing energy, materials, cost, and waste is one of the most valuable skills in the modern economy.
Electrathon gives teams the opportunity to tackle that challenge firsthand. Success comes from smart design, careful testing, strategic thinking, and continuous improvement. Every design decision matters. Every watt counts. And every improvement teaches lessons that extend far beyond the racetrack.
The result is more than a competition. It’s hands-on preparation for the careers and industries that are shaping our future.
Energy & Utilities
Transportation & Mobility
Aerospace & Technology
—Heart behind the race
In memory of Bob Franz
A passionate advocate for hands-on engineering education, Bob Franz believed every student should have access to affordable, real-world STEM experiences. Through student electric vehicle racing, he helped make that vision a reality.
Our leadership
Board of Directors
Volunteer leaders dedicated to advancing hands-on STEM education through electric vehicle competition. Drawing on experience in engineering, education, and industry, they provide the leadership and governance that guide Electrathon America and support its mission nationwide.
Oscar Juarez
Vice Chair
Pioneering EV engineer since 1994 and Bob Franz alum whose work at AC Propulsion contributed directly to the technology behind the original Tesla Roadster.
Erika Woo
Secretary
A Bob Franz Foundation alum who built solar vehicles, worked at JPL on the Mars Rovers, and holds a master’s in Industrial Design from ArtCenter.
Angela Lee
Treasurer
UCSD engineering grad with an MBA and 25+ years in software, product, and program management. Passionate about mentoring young professionals and advancing financial literacy.
Executive Leadership
Day-to-day leadership advancing Electrathon America’s mission and supporting its teams.
Michelle Hickey
Executive Director
Spent the past 20+ years supporting the development of businesses and organizations that focus on solutions for a resilient future. Has a passion for sustainability and advancing student education on electrification.
Advisory Board
Experienced advisors who support Electrathon America’s mission with guidance and expertise.
Charles Vela
Advisor
Founder, STEM Institute & CAHSEE; Pioneer in STEM Education
Jason Gaschel
Advisor
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Ketan Renade
Advisor
Former Toyota Lead, Future of Transportation
Ron Swenson
Advisor
Founder, INIST
— Our History
35+ years on the grid
1990
First Electrathon events run in the U.S., adapting a format born in the U.K.
2004
Regional structure formalized & sanctioned events spread coast to coast.
2015
High School class booms as STEM funding makes programs accessible.
2026
A new leadership team launches a bold vision to make Electrathon America the nation’s premier educational electric vehicle competition.