National Society of Professional Engineers
U.S. Engineering Press Review
Launching Education for Future Engineers
Charlotte Observer (NC) (03/25/05) ; Hirsch, Deborah
An increasing number of school districts across South Carolina are
incorporating an engineering program called "Project Lead the Way" into
school curriculums.
The program focuses on making things like catapults and using computer programs to survey properties and design buildings. Students who do well on the final test also earn college credit.
The program originated in New York in 1996, and has spread to more than 1,100 schools in 42 states. Eighty-two schools in South Carolina have added the program, giving the state the third-highest participation rate nationwide, behind New York and Indiana. Teacher Patrick Lyons is the supervisor of the program in York County, S.C., where it features six parts -- three foundation courses, two specialization classes, and a concluding capstone section in which students work with local firms, says B.T. Martin, who oversees the program for the entire state.
Last year, the South Carolina State Department of Education issued $800,000
in grants for the program. Martin says the program is rigorous and relies on
technology that will "blow your mind." He also notes that the country is
experiencing a shortage of engineers, with many universities reporting
dropout rates of 50 percent to 60 percent among engineering students between
the freshman and sophomore years. He believes guidance counselors are in
prime position to steer students into courses that facilitate their career.
(http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/states/south_carolina/)