Stellantis Expands Drive for Design with New Junior Category

Stellantis expands its Drive for Design 2026 contest, adding a Junior category and inviting students from kindergarten to high school to design future SRT vehicles.

Stellantis is significantly expanding its Drive for Design contest, opening it not only to high school students but also to children as young as kindergarten age, turning it into one of the earliest entry points into automotive design in the United States.

In 2026, alongside the traditional program for grades 10–12, the company introduces Drive for Design Junior, divided into three age groups: kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, and seventh through ninth grade. All participants are given the same challenge — to imagine the future of fast by designing a next-generation SRT vehicle using brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram.

This expansion strengthens the contest’s original purpose. Since its launch in 2013 as a regional initiative in Detroit, Drive for Design has evolved into a nationwide program aimed at introducing young people to careers in automotive design. Lowering the entry age further transforms it into a long-term talent pipeline rather than just a student competition.

The practical value of participation is reflected in its rewards. The grand prize includes a summer internship at the Ram design studio, along with access to professional networks and educational opportunities such as programs at the College for Creative Studies. Finalists receive technology prizes, exposure through Stellantis platforms, and opportunities to connect with industry designers. In previous years, some participants have moved directly into the industry — for example, a past winner later joined the Ram Truck design team.

The 2026 theme is closely tied to the return of SRT (Street and Racing Technology), Stellantis’ high-performance division. Participants are expected not just to sketch a car, but to visualize the future of speed and performance — an area historically linked to projects like the Dodge Viper and other performance vehicles.

The competition mirrors real-world automotive design processes, from initial sketching to digital modeling and technology integration. This makes the challenge closely aligned with industry practice and gives participants early insight into the profession.

Submissions are open until April 23, 2026. With expanded age categories and the renewed focus on SRT, the contest is evolving into a broader system for identifying and developing future automotive designers.