About International Soap Box Derby The International Soap Box Derby's two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based education program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates back to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. The Derby's core values and drivers include: youth education and leadership development; family engagement and enrichment; honesty, integrity and perseverance; innovation and entrepreneurship; teamwork and collaboration; mentoring; volunteerism; and commitment to community. Mission The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration, fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculum, and other community-focused activities.