The Academies of Engineering are new schools that focus high school students on careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They are designed to help meet the increasing demand for qualified employees in the field of engineering. The National Academy Foundation (NAF), Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) have joined forces to create these small learning communities, starting with 13 pilot schools throughout the nation.

The goals of the Academies of Engineering (AOE) are to:

• Recruit and encourage more high school students to choose careers in engineering and engineering technology.
  
  
• Increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in the study of engineering.
  
  
• Prepare high school graduates to enter postsecondary engineering and engineering technology programs fully competent in required mathematics, science, and technical subjects.

Helen Bernstein High School—Los Angeles, CA
School of Engineering and Sciences—Sacramento, CA
Hopewell High School—Charlotte, NC
Mallard Creek High School—Charlotte, NC
Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology—Charlotte, NC
Zebulon B. Vance High School—Charlotte, NC
Columbia High School—Columbia, SC
Hialeah Gardens Senior High School—Hialeah Gardens, FL
Miami Sunset Senior High School—Miami, FL
North Miami Senior High School—Miami, FL
Sarah T. Reed Senior High School—New Orleans, LA
Scotlandville Magnet High School—Baton Rouge, LA
Cesar Chavez Senior High School—Houston, TX
Sam Houston High School—San Antonio, TX
Albany High School—Albany, NY
Manhattan Bridges High School—New York, NY
Hartford High School—Hartford, CT
Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut—New London, CT
Austin Polytechnical Academy—Chicago, IL

Companies on NACME’s board of directors, including 3M, AT&T, Bechtel, Boeing, BP, Exxon Mobil, HP, IBM, Malcolm Pirnie, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, are leading the way in support of newly formed Academies of Engineering (AOEs) across the country. Thirteen AOEs will open their doors to incoming freshmen in September 2008. NACME Board Company representatives are already engaged as members of AOE advisory boards, and will be providing students with priceless, real-world engineering experience through mentoring, career guidance, job shadowing and role models. Other initiatives include collaborating with teachers on STEM projects, and offering professional development in engineering, math and science.

Successful implementation of the pre-engineering strategy would not be possible without corporate support. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Raluca Cadar, Team Leader, Pre-Engineering Programs at rcadar@nacme.org.