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Dr. Karl Reid
Dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
Oklahoma State University
The State of Oklahoma’s University Affiliate for Project Lead The Way |
“The Pre-Engineering-The Project Lead The Way program addresses a serious need of the country and state. Oklahoma high school science and math teachers understand the shortfall with engineering graduates and are both committed and excited to join forces with OSU and the state’s CareerTech system to better prepare their students.
The partnership between Oklahoma's CareerTech system, high school math and science teachers and PTLW was essential. OSU is delighted that the Colleges of Engineering and Education will support this effort to ensure teachers are well-trained and trained here in Oklahoma." |
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Dr. David Goin
Superintendent Edmond School System |
| "Students. Options. Focus. Value added. These are words that summarize the partnership between Edmond Schools and Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Pre-Engineering Academy. Not only are we overcoming territorialism and diverging resources but we are focusing on what’s best for our students – and for taxpayers. The nature of the training and education provided for business, industry and adults at technology centers creates an environment that is better equipped for lab experiments, as well as creating opportunities to interact with business and industry or engage at the collegiate level. And, what is good for our students is good for us. |
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Jason Rausch
Pre-Engineering Instructor, Moore Norman Tech Center
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“Today many high school students have the aptitude and desire to become engineers. But, math skills alone aren't enough for students to make decisions on an engineering career, or an indicator for success. Too many of these students have never used a pair of calipers and have never done any technical drawing. In our pre-engineering program, students apply math and science while integrating the practical skills needed to be a successful engineer. They take their ideas from concept to prototype and learn how to communicate effectively with their team.” |
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Rebecca Ferguson
Parent of Sean Ferguson
OSU- CEAT Freshman
He attended Edmond High School and Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Pre-Engineering Graduate |
"The pre-engineering academy gave Sean a dream he didn’t have before. It challenged him while providing skills in leadership, critical thinking and math necessary to handle college engineering classes. Because of the academy, when he went to college Sean was the only person in the class with Power Point skills, so was named Team Leader, representing his group in discussions with engineers. He also had good enough grades after his first semester to be invited to join the OSU Honors College, which he did!” |
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Lindsay Smith, Senior
Edmond Santa Fe High School and Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Pre-Engineering Academy |
“I have always wanted to be in engineering, but didn't realize there were so many different types of engineering disciplines. One way the academy has helped me learn more about engineering was providing me with a mentor who is an environmental and safety engineer at Kerr-McGee. Our class projects, guest speakers and competitions have helped me narrow my choices. Now I'm set on becoming an environmental engineer.” |
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Dan Riggs, Senior
Putnam City North High School and Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Pre-Engineering Academy |
“Through the academy we are able to integrate our studies in physics and calculus and apply it to new projects. Although the academy is competitive (our grades are no secret), the level of commitment from our instructors is so high that no one is left behind. Thanks to the program, I have shifted my focus from aeronautical engineering to mechanical engineering and have been accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point.” |
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Andrew Willoughby, Freshman
OSU- CEAT
Edmond Santa Fe High School and Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Pre-Engineering Academy Graduate
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| "My lifelong dream is to design roller coasters. Thanks to the academy, I had realistic expectations about what it takes to earn a degree in engineering when I enrolled in the program at OSU. The pre-engineering academy in high school gave me an opportunity, to not only apply math and the sciences but also to design, develop and work with the technicians who fabricate the products." |
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Marty Lewis
Superintendent of Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Shawnee
One of eight Oklahoma technology centers offering Project Lead The Way Pre-Engineering |
"Gordon Cooper serves 22 partner school districts, each having the right to access programs like this. Pre-engineering provides an opportunity for students that most schools cannot afford. The CareerTech system offers an efficient, effective delivery system especially for programs involving math and science in which application is a most important aspect."
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Terry Watson
Director Area Economic Development
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Governor’s Council on Workforce Development |
| "Oklahoma can’t afford to leave any worker behind. Some 70 percent of manufacturing products today will be obsolete in six years and 50 percent of the patented inventions are foreign-born. Essential to wealth creation is to bring more high-paying jobs into the state through business expansion, retention of current industry and attraction of new business into the state. Math and science-based careers often pay double. The partnerships forming for pre-engineering education in the state will create avenues for students to successfully complete engineering degrees in Oklahoma and create new wealth for the state." |
