Hyundai Motor America has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to cultivating the next generation of changemakers by renewing its impactful partnership with the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business through the Future Leaders Initiative (FLI). This visionary program is designed to empower underserved high school and community college students across Southern California with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive in business, technology, and innovation-driven careers.

As part of the renewed collaboration, Hyundai engaged with students from over 60 diverse educational institutions across Orange County, offering them rare insights into the future of mobility and sustainability. From candid career talks by Hyundai professionals to a dynamic showcase of the groundbreaking 2026 IONIQ 9 3-row electric SUV, students were given a front-row seat to the automaker’s ambitious electrification strategy and its broader vision of a greener tomorrow.

“Hyundai’s partnership with UCI’s Future Leaders Initiative is a testament to our dedication to education and sustainable innovation,” said Brandon Ramirez, director of corporate social responsibility at Hyundai Motor North America. “By investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

FLI offers more than just exposure—it equips students with critical business education, financial literacy, and personal development skills designed to foster college readiness and future professional success. Through in-person courses led by UC Irvine faculty, participants receive hands-on preparation for thriving careers in business, technology, and entrepreneurship.

“The Future Leaders Initiative exemplifies our belief that education should transcend the classroom,” said Miranda Young, program director of the Future Leaders Initiative. “We are intentional about equipping these students with both the practical insights and the personal development skills necessary to lead in the 21st century.”

The collaboration underscores Hyundai’s broader mission of “Progress for Humanity,” which fuses sustainable innovation with social responsibility. Beyond this initiative, Hyundai’s U.S. footprint includes major operations such as its California-based North American headquarters, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, and the groundbreaking Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia. Combined with its extensive network of 850+ independent dealerships, Hyundai contributes more than $20.1 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supports over 190,000 jobs, according to a recent economic impact report.

This renewed partnership signals more than corporate responsibility—it’s a movement toward inclusive opportunity, educational equity, and an inspired, electrified future.

📲 Learn more about Hyundai’s social impact and innovation at www.hyundainews.com