AUSTIN, TEXAS — Over 20 youth of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) were treated to an unforgettable VIP experience to kick off the Formula 1 weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Lenovo, in collaboration with F1, hosted 22 BGCAA youth, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and industry leaders. The day’s agenda included immersive experiences like a grid walk on the F1 track, an in-depth tour of Lenovo’s innovative tech, a behind-the-scenes visit to the Event Technical Centre (ETC), and an exclusive Paddock tour.

Special guests, Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion and a representative from U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s office accompanied the group, sharing insights on the importance of STEM education and the abundant career opportunities available in Austin and Travis County—many of which the students experienced firsthand at COTA. The event was part of BGCAA’s workforce development programming, designed to expose youth to future career pathways.

Adding to the excitement, Lenovo presented BGCAA with a generous $10,000 donation, directly supporting Club programming and enabling more career exploration experiences like the VIP F1 tour.

The day concluded with a visit to the iconic COTA Tower, where the students took in breathtaking views of the racetrack and surrounding Austin skyline. For many of the participants, it was their first time visiting COTA and witnessing the thrill of F1 up close.