Come experience the whisper of solar go-karts as they race across the track. Racing the Sun (RTS) is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program that challenges high school students to design, build, and race solar-powered go-karts. RTS is organized and hosted by Tech Parks Arizona. The program is in its seventh year and has grown to include 16 schools from Tucson, Phoenix, and Sierra Vista. Race Day is May 5, 2018. Click here for more information.

Amanda Pickarski is a Lead Client Service Specialist for Ascensus. She joined Ascensus in May 2014. She is one of the pioneer associates who moved to Tucson from Dresher, Pennsylvania to open the office at the UA Tech Park. In her role, Amanda is responsible for quality assurance, associate training, client satisfaction and fraud prevention. Amanda is a qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) and is studying to become a Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA). Annually, Ascensus holds an awards ceremony called the Cornerstone Awards recognizing associates who embody Ascensus’ core values – People Matter, Quality First, and Integrity Always. In her three years at Ascensus, Amanda was nominated for the Cornerstone Award three times and won twice. Amanda is involved in her community and has volunteered with organizations such as The Ronald McDonald House Charities and Habitat for Humanity. She also organized donations for Arizona’s Children Association’s Gifts of Hope program at Christmas time. Prior to joining Ascensus, Amanda graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree focused in Mathematics, French and International Business. In her spare time when she is not helping Americans save for retirement, Amanda volunteers with Smiling Dog Rescue and loves to go on walks with her three dogs – Kobi, Violet & Chunk.