The San Diego Automotive Museum continues to accelerate its mission of connecting San Diego’s vibrant car culture with education, opportunity, and community impact. At the heart of this mission is IGNITE Academy, designed to Inspire, Guide, Network, Intern, Train, and Educate the next generation of automotive professionals. Recently, IGNITE students experienced an unforgettable milestone when they traveled to the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Students observed race teams in action, connected with industry professionals, and saw firsthand the wide range of careers that power the racing world, from engineering and mechanical work to race operations and logistics. Experiences like these turn curiosity into possibility, helping students envision futures they may never have imagined before.
Education in Motion
Hands-on learning continues throughout the year at the San Diego Automotive Museum, where education programs introduce young minds to the creativity, science, and engineering behind transportation. During Spring Camp, students explore the basics of how vehicles work through interactive activities, simple engineering challenges, and guided museum exploration. This summer, the Museum will expand the experience with Summer Camp. Campers will rotate through engaging activities, including exhibit exploration, collaborative engineering challenges, creative build sessions, and energetic outdoor games. Each day balances focused projects with movement and play, ensuring campers stay engaged while discovering how design, mechanics, and innovation shape the world of transportation. With sessions designed for kids between 6-11 years old, the program encourages curiosity, teamwork, and confidence, while giving students a fun introduction to STEAM learning.
A Community That Drives Impact
Support from the community powers the Museum’s growth. On May 18, golfers will gather for the Third Annual Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament, a day of friendly competition benefiting the Museum’s education initiatives. Designed for all skill levels, the tournament features exciting contests, including a hole-in-one challenge and opportunities to “Pay a Pro” all while supporting programs that inspire the next generation of automotive innovators.
THE Party in the Park Returns
The Roaring 20s are coming to Balboa Park for the Museum’s signature gala, THE Party in the Park, on September 26. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining, jazz-inspired entertainment, and exclusive auctions under the stars. Vintage-inspired décor, cocktails, and live performances will transport attendees to a night of glamour, excitement, and automotive sophistication. THE Party in the Park is not just a gala. It is a celebration of learning, innovation, and the future of automotive passion. Proceeds support the Museum in multiple ways, from funding youth programs like Spring and Summer Camps and IGNITE Academy, to sustaining exhibits, operations, and the planned Museum expansion.
Building the Future
As the Museum looks ahead, an ambitious campaign will support the next phase of growth, including expanded exhibits and enhanced education programs that will serve even more students across the region.
With the continued support of donors, partners, and the San Diego community, the San Diego Automotive Museum is not only preserving automotive history – it is driving the future forward.
www.sdautomuseum.org
