From the Garage to the National Stage:

The Electric Vehicle Lowrider and the Power of Community-Based Learning

When students at the Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy (SAVA) began transforming a classic 1964 Chevy Impala into an electric vehicle (EV), they could not have imagined the journey would take them all the way to the National Mall in Washington, DC. What started as a hands-on learning project grounded in the lived experiences and interests of the community evolved into a powerful story of career exploration, cultural identity, and authentic community-based education. The project culminated in national recognition at the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival and marked a milestone in what is possible when students are given the opportunity to lead.

I’m here for Sacramento. I’m here for California. I’m here on a much bigger level than just my school. I’m here to represent who we are, what we are, and why we’re doing what we are doing.”

–Wyatt, SAVA Student

SAVA, a charter school within the Gateway Community Charters organization, serving students who are often credit-deficient or disconnected from traditional models of education, prioritizes personalized learning, meaningful relationships, and real-world relevance. Beyond preparing students for high school graduation, our school ensures that our students leave with a plan for what comes next, whether that is college, a skilled trade, or the workforce. Students have access to dual enrollment opportunities and industry recognized credentials, aligning their passion projects with real college and career pathways. The EV Lowrider Project was designed to merge automotive technology with core academic standards, historical and cultural understanding, and the emerging technologies shaping the future. It gave students the tools to build something that connected their learning to their community, their heritage, and their aspirations.

When you grow up in the lowrider community, you see all the value these cars have… I just wanna take what I know, build on it, and continue it.”

–Nayeli Rodriguez, SAVA  Student

Supported through state grants, community fundraising, and local partnerships, the project quickly became a vibrant hub of interdisciplinary learning. Students worked side by side with professional mentors, explored the science behind electric vehicle technology, and studied the rich cultural legacy of lowriders within Chicano and Black communities. Every custom-painted panel and mechanical upgrade became part of a larger narrative about pride, creativity, and possibility. “I grew up around lowriders with my entire family,” said Nayeli, 11th grade. “Turning one into an EV made me feel like I was honoring our culture and also stepping into the future.”

Programs like this reflect the true purpose of education. At its best, school is not just about graduation. It is a launchpad for life. As a workforce development–driven institution, SAVA is committed to ensuring that students leave high school not only with a diploma in hand, but with clarity, confidence, and the skills needed to pursue meaningful careers. The EV Lowrider Project embodies this mission, giving students a chance to work with their hands, think critically, collaborate with industry professionals, and see their learning come to life in ways that are personal, purposeful, and powerful.

The EV Lowrider Project was about more than converting a gas-powered car to electric. It was about telling a story through craftsmanship, culture, and collaboration. The work brought together Career Technical Education, environmental sustainability, artistic expression, and cultural history into one unified experience. Students learned how to wire EV systems, understand battery architecture, and safely manage high-voltage components. At the same time, they engaged in visual storytelling that honored the aesthetics and traditions of Sacramento’s lowrider scene. The result was a one-of-a-kind electric lowrider that reflected both technical expertise and lived identity.

This was never just a school project. It was a community effort. Local businesses donated tools, supplies, and workspace. The Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) provided both funding and technical assistance. Artists from the community visited classrooms to share the deeper meaning of lowriders, not just as vehicles, but as cultural artifacts rooted in resistance, pride, and artistry.

Families were active partners throughout the process. Some helped with logistics. Others came out to support showcases and celebrate student milestones. The SAVA Community Engagement team ensured that wraparound services were in place so students could remain engaged, supported, and present. The project became a living example of the community school model, with integrated supports, expanded learning time, collaborative partnerships, and shared leadership all coming together around a single student-led initiative. (Read more about Nayeli’s mom’s role in the project in the Road & Track article linked here.)

The vision came from your mom!”

–Mr. Hartman, SAVA teacher told his student Nayeli.

In June 2025, the EV Lowrider Project reached a national stage when students and staff were invited to present their work at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The project was chosen not only for its technical innovation but for its embodiment of culturally responsive, student-driven learning rooted in community.

“Standing on the National Mall and explaining our build to people from all over the country made me realize that my story matters,” shared Scott, a 12th-grade student who helped design the vehicle’s hydraulic system.

Students traveled across the country to represent their school, their city, and their stories. On the National Mall, they led live demonstrations, engaged with festivalgoers, and spoke on panels addressing youth agency, educational equity, and environmental sustainability. For many, it was their first time on an airplane or outside of California. For all, it was a moment that affirmed the value of their work and their voice.

The momentum continues. With new support from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), SAVA is launching a second electric vehicle conversion project. This next build will further deepen student learning while expanding opportunities for college credit, career exposure, and work-based learning. The EV Lowrider has also received attention from international audiences. SAVA has been invited to showcase the vehicle at EVS 39, the world’s largest electric vehicle symposium and expo. This global platform will give students another opportunity to share their work, represent their community, and connect with innovators from around the world.

The SAVA EV Lowrider Project is more than a car. It is a symbol of what is possible when young people are empowered to learn in ways that are connected to their identity, culture, and future. It reflects the best of what community schools can offer and serves as a blueprint for driving change through education, innovation, and culture.

As the sun set over the National Mall and SAVA students packed up their display; they were heading home with memories. They were returning with pride, with purpose, and with momentum, ready to take the next steps toward college, career, and leadership in their communities.