McNeil High School’s location in the middle of a slew of tech industry partners offers a unique opportunity for students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy to network with professionals and become better prepared for careers in engineering industries.
Students in the STEM Academy, which includes engineering and computer science paths, actively partner with engineers at Applied Materials, Emerson, IBM, Samsung, the University of Texas at Austin, National Instruments and 3M to learn more about their prospective fields.
“We have built some very strong business partnerships to the point where businesses are able to articulate what type of employee they need and our teachers respond,” McNeil Assistant Principal Melody Maples said. “The businesses are now coming to the school asking what we need to benefit our students so it’s turned into a two-way partnership. Students already have a built-in network with these industry leaders who can potentially put them in the profession upon graduation.”
In addition to the benefit of business partnerships, students are also able to earn college credit throughout high school based on grades earned through the STEM Academy.
Through the engineering path, which utilizes Project Lead The Way curriculum, students have the potential to earn college credit in up to five courses. McNeil currently partners with the Rochester Institute of Technology and Austin Community College, where students can earn transferable credits in the classes taken at McNeil.
The computer science path through the STEM Academy includes two Advanced Placement computer science course where students can begin earning college credit as soon as their freshman year.
“Our kids have a leg up in college because of the preparation we offer in the STEM Academy,” McNeil engineering teacher Lisa Windolph said. “They’re going into a very competitive environment and we want to give them the best foundation for them to be successful in college and career.”
The STEM Academy plays a large role in preparing students not only for the math and science components of an engineering or computer science career, but also equips students with the soft skills needed to be successful in a team environment. The McNeil Engineering Club, led by STEM Academy students, utilizes business partners and McNeil students and staff to host monthly engineering challenges where students can practice collaboration, problem-solving and networking skills.
“Engineering club is a fun way to use what we’ve learned in physics and principles of engineering and practice thinking on our feet and teamwork,” said Sabika Bharmal, McNeil junior and STEM Academy student. “The STEM Academy prepares us a lot for college and jobs because we’re doing college-level projects and learning things we’ll use in the future. We’re getting a head start.”
