How do you get third, fourth, and fifth graders excited about engineering, design, and careers in the automotive industry? You challenge them to think big, work collaboratively, and pitch their ideas to real professionals – all while having fun. That’s exactly what happened at Cornerstone’s Madison-Carver Academy, thanks to an innovative program created by Principal Markisha Stovall and brought to life in partnership with Lear Corporation.
A Vision for Real-World Learning
“The Shark Tank program was an idea I created and brought to the team at Lear,” shared Principal Stovall. “I wanted to design an experience that combined entrepreneurship, engineering, and public speaking – something that would challenge our students and connect them with real-world industries in a meaningful way.”
Because Lear designs automotive seating for companies like Ford and GM, students were given the opportunity to engage directly with the heart of the company’s work: designing the car seats of the future. They weren’t just asked to be creative – they had to consider functionality, comfort, safety, and innovation, gaining insight into an entire industry most had never thought about.
Learning from the Experts
The initiative kicked off with a visit from the Lear team, who spoke with students about the science of seat design and the wide variety of careers at Lear – from validation engineers to program managers. Students learned how seats are engineered, the importance of materials and features, and the steps it takes to bring a product from concept to reality.
The Lear team also spoke about their own educational journeys, sparking students’ imaginations about what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Design, Build, and Pitch
Over the next two weeks, student teams sketched, refined, and prototyped their designs. They carefully considered features like back support, eco-friendly materials, built-in tech, and bold aesthetics. And when the Lear team returned to judge the final presentations, the room lit up with excitement and confidence.
“They learned how to collaborate on a team, solve problems, refine a product idea, and pitch it with confidence in front of professionals,” said Principal Stovall. “It was amazing to see how seriously they took the challenge. You could see their confidence grow right in front of you.”
The Finalists
Three standout teams representing 3rd, 4th and 5th grades were selected as finalists for their exceptional innovation and execution:
- Third Grade: “Car Seat ” – A tech-forward seat with a built-in TV for a PS6, cooling fans, USB ports, and layered cushion colors for both style and support.
- Fourth Grade: “The Huskies” – A comfort-focused seat inspired by school pride, with speakers, head and arm rests and .
- Fifth Grade: “Seat Champions” – A safety-first design featuring a backrest, airbags, a leg extension, and a unique “seat brake” to prevent sliding during motion.
The Finalists
Three standout teams representing 3rd, 4th and 5th grades were selected as finalists for their exceptional innovation and execution:
- Third Grade: “Car Seat ” – A tech-forward seat with a built-in TV for a PS6, cooling fans, USB ports, and layered cushion colors for both style and support.
- Fourth Grade: “The Huskies” – A comfort-focused seat inspired by school pride, with speakers, head and arm rests and .
- Fifth Grade: “Seat Champions” – A safety-first design featuring a backrest, airbags, a leg extension, and a unique “seat brake” to prevent sliding during motion.
Each team impressed the Lear representatives not just with their ideas, but with how professionally they presented them. “It was a really cool process and they made amazing progress in between our visits,” said Lear Validation Engineer Brianna William, who is the company liaison to Cornerstone. “Every design was absolutely phenomenal.”
More Than Just a Competition
All participating finalist teams earned a visit to Lear’s corporate offices for a behind-the-scenes experience, and the winning group – the fourth grade team – received prizes and a celebratory lunch with Principal Stovall.
“Most importantly,” said Stovall, “they saw themselves in careers they hadn’t considered before. Many walked away saying, ‘I want to be an engineer’ or ‘I could see myself working at Lear.’ That’s what this was all about – exposure, empowerment, and real learning that sticks.