Engaging students in the field of engineering is vital to the future of our modern world. To do its part, Pitsco developed the Engineering Academy, a high school curriculum focused on engineering and problem solving.

“Courses that interest students by coupling their hands and minds to experience math and science must become a new basic in our schools to provide America with engineers and technicians essential for our country’s strength,” said Pitsco President and CEO Harvey Dean.

Recent reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and The National Academies indicate that the need for engineers will rise far above the number of engineers being graduated – creating an urgent need for engineering programs to prepare students with the necessary skills before they enter college. The Pitsco Engineering Academy challenges students to apply the math and science learned in their regular classes to solve engineering problems. To create the Academy, teacher guides and scope-and-sequence programs were developed to frame Pitsco’s proven STEM activities. Complete with tools, equipment, materials, and supplemental texts, each course is a nine- or 18-week curriculum.

Currently, 16 courses are either completed or in development:

• Engineering Principles & Problem Solving
• Engineering Design & Drafting
• Engineering Design & CAD
• Speed Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Green Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Applied Engineering Graphics & Design
• Design Applications & Programming
• Robotic Engineering – Remote Controlled
• Robotic Engineering – Autonomous
• Senior Engineering Project

The Academy can be tailored to fit specific needs. Whether seeking a one-, two-, or three-year program, each school can select the combination of courses to fit its curricular requirements.

While traditional tests are available, the Academy offers an online assessment – the Pitsco Electronic Student Assessment (PESA). This Web-based option provides 50 questions per course, and various reports can be generated to track student, class, district, or even state-level progress. And each PESA assessment is correlated to national ITEA, NSTA, and NCTM standards.

Additionally, the Pitsco Engineering Academy provides storage solutions for materials and equipment and offers professional development to ensure teachers are trained and confident prior to leading Academy activities.

To learn how the Pitsco Engineering Academy can help your school, district, or state achieve its engineering education goals, contact Sales Representative Kevin Bolte (also 800-835-0686).

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Note to media: Visit Pitsco online or contact Communications Manager Tom Farmer.