AKRON, Ohio, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has issued a $15,000 challenge to future engineers in grades nine through 12 – try your hand at inventing the "tire of tomorrow."  The challenge, which offers a top prize of $7,500 to the high school group that produces the most innovative concept, is part of Goodyear's 14^th Annual Engineering Career Day event, which will be hosted by The University of Akron, on Saturday, April 12.  Grant prizes to the runners-up are $5,000 and $2,500 to the second and third place teams, respectively.

Goodyear anticipates welcoming over 3,000 students, parents and teachers to The University of Akron campus for its day-long Engineering Career Day event.  In addition to exposure to UA's new landscape for learning, students will interact with representatives from over 50 local organizations, who will be hosting hands-on engineering activities throughout the day.

The free event will also be a conduit of giving for Goodyear, which will give away over $40,000 in scholarships and grant awards to participants. 

"At Goodyear, our most valuable asset is the talent and skill sets of our people. Engineering Career Day showcases our dedication to fostering future engineers at a young age. Investing early is key to attracting and retaining young innovators. This event reflects Goodyear's commitment to making STEM education exciting," explained Interim Chief Technical Officer Joe Zekoski.

"We are pleased to welcome the participants of Goodyear's Engineering Career Day to the University of Akron campus," says George K. Haritos, dean of the College of Engineering. "I applaud Goodyear for their leadership in encouraging students in their interest in engineering. The U.S. can only benefit from enhanced interest in the field among middle and high school students."

To learn more about Goodyear's Engineering Career Day, please visit www.goodyear.com/careerday. 

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs about 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 52 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear or its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company