Blue Bird Corporation , a renowned leader in the production of electric and low-emission school bus
Blue Bird Corporation , a renowned leader in the production of electric and low-emission school buses, has taken a significant step towards community empowerment and environmental sustainability by donating an advanced electric school bus to Hoop Bus Inc. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to fostering youth programming and community engagement throughout North America. The donation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combine environmental consciousness with impactful community outreach.
The full-size, zero-emission electric school bus is not just an ordinary vehicle; it has been transformed into a dynamic, interactive mobile basketball court. Equipped with basketball hoops mounted at both the front and rear, the bus serves as a symbol of innovation and community spirit. Hoop Bus plans to utilize this cutting-edge vehicle to reach thousands of at-risk youth in under-resourced communities across California, offering them not only a chance to engage in physical activities but also to benefit from mentorship and educational programs.
The official debut of the zero-emission Hoop Bus is scheduled for today at 1:00 p.m. PST at West Oakland Middle School in Oakland, California. The dedication ceremony will be followed by one of Hoop Bus’ signature programs, the P.E. Takeover. This high-energy, inclusive event focuses on social-emotional learning, targeting students from grades 4 through 12. The program aims to promote health equity, encourage team-building activities, and foster self-love among participants. This P.E. Takeover also serves as the kickoff event for Hoop Bus’ series leading up to the NBA All-Star weekend scheduled for February 14-16, 2025.
Since its establishment in 2019, Hoop Bus has made a remarkable impact, reaching approximately 320,000 youth annually through hundreds of events nationwide. The organization gained notable recognition when it was featured in the NBA’s Emmy Award-winning 75th Anniversary campaign. Operating six “vehicles of change” in major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, Hoop Bus continues to expand its reach and influence. Impressively, three of these mobile basketball courts are converted Blue Bird buses, demonstrating the strong partnership between the two organizations.
Dan Moroni, the executive director of Hoop Bus, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition of their first all-electric, zero-emission vehicle to the fleet. “We are pumped to add our first all-electric, zero-emission vehicle to the Hoop Bus fleet,” Moroni stated. He led the conversion project of the Blue Bird electric vehicle, ensuring it met the unique needs of their programming. “This electric bus allows us to bring basketball-based programming to communities across California in a clean and quiet ride. As a vehicle of change, it will help us rebuild, empower, and amplify communities through basketball.
The transformation of the vehicle into a state-of-the-art mobile basketball court involved extensive modifications. Hoop Bus incorporated collaborative seating areas, ample storage spaces, flatscreen TVs, and a dedicated basketball rack to enhance the interior. Additionally, the nonprofit organization installed solar panels on the bus, which will generate clean energy to power the sound and entertainment systems. This innovative use of renewable energy further underscores Hoop Bus’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation, highlighted the significance of the donation. “We think it’s a slam dunk to help Hoop Bus build better communities by bringing the game of basketball to people in need,” Horlock remarked. “As an added plus, our all-electric bus generates zero emissions, protecting the health of riders, drivers, and the community-at-large.” His statement reflects Blue Bird’s dedication not only to advancing clean transportation solutions but also to supporting community-driven initiatives that make a tangible difference.
The specific model donated by Blue Bird is the Blue Bird All American electric bus, known for its reliability and efficiency. This 40-foot vehicle is traditionally capable of transporting up to 84 students and can cover a distance of up to 120 miles on a single charge. Its impressive range and capacity make it an ideal choice for Hoop Bus’ mobile outreach programs, ensuring that the organization can reach diverse communities without compromising on performance or sustainability.
In addition to the bus donation, Blue Bird’s partner organization, InCharge Energy, has significantly contributed to the initiative. As a leading provider of EV charging solutions and service support for electric fleets, InCharge Energy donated a Level 2 AC vehicle charger to Hoop Bus. This charger ensures that the electric bus can be fully charged overnight, ready to deliver basketball-based programming to local youth each day. The donation package includes a virtual site assessment, route planning consultation, the necessary charging hardware, and one year of InControl charge management and maintenance software, along with a comprehensive data plan.
Blue Bird Corporation stands out as the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the country. The company has established itself as a proven leader in the production of low- and zero-emission school buses, with more than 2,500 electric-powered buses currently in operation. This achievement reflects Blue Bird’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the health and well-being of future generations.
The partnership between Blue Bird and Hoop Bus exemplifies how corporate social responsibility and nonprofit initiatives can come together to create lasting positive impacts. By donating an electric school bus and supporting its conversion into a mobile basketball court, Blue Bird is not only promoting clean transportation but also investing in the empowerment and development of youth in underserved communities.
As the zero-emission Hoop Bus embarks on its journey across California, it will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It symbolizes the power of sports to unite communities, the importance of environmental sustainability, and the transformative impact of collaborative efforts. This innovative initiative sets a precedent for how organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to foster meaningful change, one community at a time.
