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Wrap Battle: UPAD Scholars Dive into Automotive Design

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A student and his family gather around the open hood of a wrapped car, inspecting the vehicle and taking pictures during the Wrap Battle showcase.
Wrap Battle: UPAD Scholars Dive into Automotive Design
Cedric Scott

Earlier this year, scholars from University Prep Art & Design (UPAD) took part in an exciting, hands-on design experience known as the Wrap Battle—and the results were nothing short of amazing!

Hosted in collaboration with Taste of Tech, the African-American Automotive Association (AAAA), and the team behind Sketchbattle Jr., this unique event gave middle and high school students the chance to explore the world of automotive design in a bold new way.

Instead of sketching on paper or canvas, students brought their creativity to life by designing vinyl car wraps—turning real vehicles into moving works of art. For many, it was their first time seeing their artwork applied in this format, and the experience opened their eyes to new possibilities in tech, design, and the auto industry.

Held at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the event connected UPAD scholars with real-world designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs who inspired them to think big about their futures.

We are grateful to Foxxtecca and the entire team at the Henry Ford Museum for investing in our scholars' dreams and helping them imagine career paths they may have never considered before. The Wrap Battle wasn’t just about cars—it was about showing our students that their creativity belongs everywhere, even in industries where they don’t always see themselves represented.

Student crouches next to a black and red wrapped car featuring his own white-lined sketches at the Henry Ford Museum.
xt: Two scholars stand proudly in front of a RAM truck featuring bright orange graphics.
Student crouches next to a black and red wrapped car featuring his own white-lined sketches at the Henry Ford Museum.
UPAD student gives a thumbs up beside his detailed wrap design on the rear side of the vehicle.
Close-up of the monster-themed vinyl wrap with bold white illustrations on a muscle car.
A student and adult designer stand in front of a finished vehicle wrap covered in orange artwork.
Close-up of the monster-themed vinyl wrap with bold white illustrations on a muscle car.
Close-up of the monster-themed vinyl wrap with bold white illustrations on a muscle car.
A student wearing an orange sweater smiles in front of her bright orange artwork wrapped on the side of a RAM truck.
A group of UPAD scholars poses in front of a customized black muscle car inside the Henry Ford Museum, with historic trolleys in the background.
A student and his family gather around the open hood of a wrapped car, inspecting the vehicle and taking pictures during the Wrap Battle showcase.