AKRON, Ohio, April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has issued a $15,000 challenge to students in grades 6 through 12 – try your hand at designing a clever Rube Goldberg™ Machine utilizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles, to fill a Goodyear blimp. 

The challenge, which offers up to $4,000 to the high school group that produces the most innovative concept, is part of Goodyear's 16^th Annual STEM Career Day event, formerly Engineering Career Day, which will be held at The University of Akron, on Saturday, April 18. 

Goodyear anticipates welcoming more than 2,000 students, accompanied by 1,000 parents and teachers to the University for its day-long event. In addition to exploring the campus, students will interact with representatives from more than 50 local organizations, who will be hosting hands-on STEM-based activities throughout the day. One of these hands-on activities will be a zombie apocalypse-themed challenge requiring use of engineering acumen to design and build a mechanical system. The system they build will allow them to pick up "supplies" while remaining out of reach of the "undead."

The free event will also be a conduit of giving for Goodyear, which will award more than $40,000 in scholarships and grants to participants. 

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

"We are pleased to welcome the participants of Goodyear's STEM Career Day to The University of Akron campus," said George K. Haritos, dean of the College of Engineering. "I applaud Goodyear for its 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 STEM Career Day, visit www.goodyear.com/careerday.  

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs about 67,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 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