Austin Education Foundation Wins F1® Allwyn Global Community Award

The Del Valle ISD Education Foundation has won the 2026 F1® Allwyn Global Community Award at the FORMULA 1® MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

The Texas-based nonprofit will receive €100,000 from Allwyn, a lottery-led entertainment company. The funding will support its new Fast Track initiative, which aims to expand teaching grants, student scholarships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities for 12,000 local students.

The foundation works to improve educational access and empower students across the Del Valle community. Although the area lies close to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and Austin’s technology sector, many students face financial and structural barriers to career opportunities.

According to the foundation, 85% of students in the Del Valle community live in underserved communities. Through Fast Track, the organisation aims to help more young people access education and careers in high-tech industries.

Fast Track Connects Students with Technology Careers

The Fast Track initiative will provide practical support to students seeking careers in engineering, racing technology and other technical fields.

Rather than focusing only on career awareness, the programme will connect classroom learning with industry experience. It will fund STEM innovation grants, provide essential learning tools and expand access to scholarships and internships.

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In addition, students will gain opportunities to participate in industry workshops and educational field trips. These activities will help them understand the skills required in Austin’s growing technology and engineering sectors.

The initiative also aims to reduce financial and logistical barriers. Consequently, students and their families could gain better access to educational resources and career development opportunities. Local technology businesses may also benefit from a stronger pipeline of skilled talent.

Formula 1 and Allwyn Highlight Community Impact

The foundation’s location near COTA creates opportunities to connect students with the engineering, logistics and innovation behind Formula 1.

Through the award, students will have greater opportunities to explore careers linked to motorsport and advanced technology. Moreover, exposure to these industries could help young people see how classroom learning translates into professional careers.

Tatiana Jouanneau, Group Chief Brand Officer at Allwyn and an award judge, said the organisation was proud to support the foundation.

She explained that the award aims to empower communities surrounding Grand Prix venues. According to Jouanneau, the Del Valle initiative stood out for its focus on economic mobility and opportunities for thousands of young people.

Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1 and another award judge, also praised the programme’s approach. She highlighted its measurable performance indicators and commitment to long-term accountability.

Jones said the initiative demonstrated how investment could deliver sustained benefits for students who need additional support.

Foundation Welcomes Support for 12,000 Students

Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Del Valle ISD Education Foundation, welcomed the recognition.

He said the community sits alongside a rapidly growing corridor of racing, robotics and technological innovation. However, poverty and systemic barriers can prevent students from entering these industries.

Thomas said the award would help launch Fast Track and fund internships, scholarships and additional support for students. These resources aim to connect young people with opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

Five Organisations Recognised in 2026

The Del Valle ISD Education Foundation is the fifth organisation recognised by the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award in 2026.

Previous recipients include Britain’s Starlight Children’s Foundation, Canada’s La Tablée des Chefs, Austria’s Sindbad Mentoring and the Netherlands’ Spieren voor Spieren.

Meanwhile, further organisations are expected to receive recognition at upcoming Grand Prix events in Mexico City and Las Vegas.

After the season’s winners have been announced, Formula 1 fans will be able to vote for their favourite initiatives. Allwyn says the voting programme will bring fans closer to the community projects supported through the award.

The Del Valle foundation’s €100,000 grant will now help advance its plans to expand STEM education and career opportunities for students across the Austin-area community.