WHAT is the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program?

Engineering/Project Lead the Wayis a two-year program designed to introduce students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and to architecture prior to entering college.

WHY should I take Engineering/Project Lead the Way?

Students who complete this program will be several steps ahead of other high school graduates who hope to become engineers in the future.  The practical, hands-on experiences; various classroom/lab exercises; and opportunities to participate in work-based learning experiences will set students apart as leaders of the future in the engineering world.

Classes at the Saginaw Career Complex are different than those offered at your home high school. You learn by doing - not just reading, listening, and memorizing. And you learn out in the real world, on-the-job, with real people.

You may also earn a competency certificate in the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program from the Saginaw Career Complex, which says you've learned actual job skills at high standards set by business and industry. Your parents will love it, so will colleges and employers.

WHAT will I learn in Engineering/Project Lead the Way?

You will learn about:
• Introduction to Engineering Design - using the design development process, models are created, analyzed and communicated using solid modeling computer design software.
• Digital Electronics - based upon applied logic, computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry systems.
• Principals of Engineering - explores various technology systems and manufacturing processes. Students use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to create real world solutions.
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing - this sequence builds on the computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering. Fundamental concepts of robotics use in automated manufacturing and design analysis are used.
• Engineering Design and Development - this is an engineering research component where students work in teams to formulate, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. This is a sequential component for 2nd year students, which allows them to apply principles developed in the four preceding curricular areas.-

You will learn and apply engineering principles in a state-of-the-art computer/technology lab with additional training in the CAD lab where you will utilize "Inventor", a program which enables students to create solid models on the computer.  You will also learn and practice skills in real work environments.

For more specific areas of study click here to see more about the curriculum

WHAT are my job prospects?

Opportunities are great for those who have engineering skills. Employment in Science and Engineering occupations are expected to increase at more than three times the rate for all occupations. Recommended beginning salaries for professional engineers is $45,888.

WHERE can I go after completing the program?

Your training in the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program gives you several exciting options:

• Entry-level employment -Students might start exciting careers at design firms or other businesses using CAD.
• Continued Education - The Engineering/ Project Lead The Way program at the Saginaw Career Complex is a spring board to pursuing further post-secondary education. The curricular components of this Engineering program are aligned with the engineering programs at many colleges and universities.

WHO are the teachers?

Although Mr. Bruce Isotalo has spent many years teaching students in the Saginaw Puplic Schools and was the Saginaw Valley League Teacher of the Year in 2002, he still brings a refreshing sense of excitement and anticipation to the learning enrvionment in his classroom and lab each day.  Teaching in the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program is an assignment that Mr. Isotalo eagerly sought and accepted.

"We need to do everything we can do to make connections between what is being learned and real life," say Mr. Isotalo.  To be true to his words, in addition to being involved with students in his program, he is actively engaged with students in both the F.I.R.S.T.  Robotics Team and Team DaVinci (attention is on a solar powered vehicle).  Both groups meet after school hours to create projects that compete with the top teams in the nation.

Mr. Isotalo believe that, "If you do your best and you put your heart into it, you will make a difference."  Guess what . . . . ."Mr. I" does make a difference!

WHAT are the admission requirements?

Students admitted to the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program at the Saginaw Career Complex must:

• Have an interest in a career in engineering
• Be a high school junior or senior
• Be on track for high school graduation
• Have good attendance habits
• Be willing to attend the Saginaw Career Complex for half the school day and participate in work-based learning experiences

WHAT does it cost?

Nothing! Eligible high school students may attend free of charge.

HOW do I enroll?

You can enroll by completing just a few easy steps. Click here to get started:

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