(Group)23

Engineering Academy

Independence High School

Pathway Contact

Jack Aiello & Larry Winterlin
aielloj@esuhsd.org
winterlinl@esuhsd.org
(408) 813-4067 Cell

Project Lead The Way is a national program that inspires high school students to pursue careers in engineering design and technology. At Independence PLTW offers a unique combination of courses and opportunities. Independence offers the only Introduction to Design class that gives UC approved Fine Art (F) credit. It also has the only aerospace engineering class with an emphasis in robotics. Do you love designing concepts and bringing them to life? The Engineering Academy at Independence High School lets you design, build and test prototypes while learning the basics needed for various careers and college degrees within aerospace, computer science and other engineering careers.

Solve hands-on engineering challenges and attend core classes with the same group of students. This “school within a school” model helps you maintain an advanced focus, develop strong bonds, and strengthen your collaboration and leadership skills. Experience rigorous, real-world engineering challenges as you get a head-start on college and career.

After attending the Engineering Academy at Independence High School, you’ll have:

View class descriptions

  • created an online portfolio and professional resume
  • networked with industry professionals, including Lockheed Martin, VTA, NASA, Stanford and Google
  • attended job shadows and paid/volunteer summer internships
  • participated in national competitions, including the MESA Competition, NASA’s Botball Robotic, and Toyota’s hydrogen powered remote control model car competition

How can I learn what it’s really like to have a career in engineering?

Start by getting first-hand experience in an industry you’re curious about. We can help you get a paid summer internship at IBM or other high tech companies. You can also do job shadowing as offered through Junior Achievement Clubs, High Tech University, and ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering). Mentoring after school program.

Another way to learn from others’ experience and have a great time exploring engineering is by joining any of our various clubs, from Regional MESA with SJSU, Robotics and Remote Control flight club.

Another way to learn from others’ experience and have a great time exploring engineering is by joining any of the Engineering Academy’s various clubs, from Regional MESA with SJSU, to Girls in Engineering, Robotic, and Remote Control flight club.

Will I do community service at the Engineering Academy at Independence High School?

Yes, you can do Christmas in The Park and Service Learning with EVC. You can also get involved in after school mentoring with ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering).

Can I earn credentials toward college while attending Independence High School?

Yes! Your core classes are A-G certified for UC. In addition, since the Mineta Transportation Summer Institute offer credit with San Jose State, you can get 3 units of transferable general education units for environmental studies while in high school.

What types of tools can I use at the Engineering Academy at Independence High School?

You’ll have access to a variety of industry-recognized software, tools and machines, including:

  • Adobe
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • Tinker CAD Circuits
  • SketchUp
  • SolidWorks
  • Tinker CAD
  • 3D printer
  • laser cutter
  • Robot C with Vex Robotics
  • vinyl cutter, and more.

 Can I earn any certifications while attending Independence High School?

Absolutely! The more active you are in this high school for architecture and design, the more you can achieve. Here’s a sample:

  • EverFi Financial Literacy online certification course recognized by Bank of the West and other financial institutions.
  • Radius online digital STEM literacy recognized by Intel
  • Community College dual credits
  • Venture online certification on entrepreneurial exploration
  • SJSU Mineta Summer Transportation Environmental Studeis Course

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Any Questions? Just reach out – we’ve got answers.

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