Engineering (Project Lead the Way)

Students in this program will need to be able to:

Academic & Technical Skills

• Apply College-Level Academic Skills – Succeed in honors/advance college level coursework including  advanced coursework requiring strong reading, technical, and honors-level math skills (H Algebra II strongly recommended)
• Use Computer & Technical Skills – Operate software and tools relevant to engineering tasks.
• Demonstrate High Interest in STEM – Apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.
• Apply Mechanical Aptitude – Understand and work with mechanical systems and processes.
• Problem-Solve Effectively – Analyze situations or data and develop practical solutions.
• Utilize Science Concepts – Apply scientific principles to solve engineering problems.
• Persevere Through Difficult Problems – Work through challenging technical tasks.

Professional & Interpersonal Skills

• Work Independently or in Teams – Complete projects solo or collaboratively as required.
• Use Organizational Skills – Manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
• Stay Self-Motivated & College-Ready – Take initiative and remain disciplined in demanding coursework.
• Communicate Clearly & Professionally – Share ideas, solutions, and technical information with peers and instructors.
• Thrive in Real-World Engineering Environments – Apply technical and analytical skills in lab and project-based settings.

Click on each of the icons to learn more about ONE of the careers in this field: 

Mechanical Engineer

1. Watch a video

2. See more about....

3. Dig deeper.

Electrical Engineers

1. Watch a video

2. See more about..

3. Dig deeper.

Other Related Occupations:

• Mechatronics Engineers
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Industrial Engineers

(Confused?  Then try this CAREER SITE)

ENTRY LEVEL- With CCCTC start a career right after high school

• Small project manager
• Lab assistant
• Equipment Operator (Production using Robotics, Rapid Prototype, Milling (basic))

TECHNICAL LEVEL- CCCTC and a 2 year associates degree or trade school degree 

• Engineering Technician
• Avionics Technician
• Electronics Technician

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL- CCCTC and a four year degree that you will be well prepared to complete

• Aeronautical Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Communications Engineer
• Computer Engineer
• Construction Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Geothermal Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Marine Engineer/Architect
• Materials Engineer
• Metallurgist
• Petroleum Engineer
• System Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Engineering Manager

Youtube Videos (caution: 3rd party website):

• Engineering       
• Electrical Engineer c1s
• Mechanical Engineer c1s
• Arch and Engineering Manger c1s
• Rapid prototype      
• Rapid prototype II   
•  Inventor pro     
• Digital Electronics    
• Inventing

Project Lead the Way created this pre-engineering program that gives students a glimpse into the world of engineering through computer-based and hands-on activities and projects.  Students look into areas of manufacturing, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, digital electronics (electrical engineering), and a full range of engineering technics and skills.  From three dimensional drawing and rapid prototyping to project planning and product development.  Students work as a team to develop solutions to engineering problems using sophisticated software such as Inventor and EdgeCam.

• Introduction to Engineering Design

• Create solutions to design problems
• Use software (Inventor) to develop 3-D models
• Learn product design process using Computer Aided Design (CAD)

• Principles of Engineering

• Perspectives of engineering                                  
• Design process
• Engineering systems
• Communication & documentation
• Materials & materials testing
• Thermodynamics
• Engineering for Quality and reliability

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing

• Principles of prototyping, robotics, and automation
• Construct  3 dimensional models  using computer controlled equipment
• Computer Modeling
• Computer Numeric Control (CNC)
• Computer-aided manufacturing   robotics

• Digital Electronics

• Electronic design software used to build, analyze, and export to a printed circuit auto routing program that generates printed circuit boards.
• Bread boards
• Soldering
• Circuit designing and building
• Analog and digital & digital fundamentals
• Number systems and binary addition
• Logic gates and functions

• Civil Engineering (senior elective)

  Design & develop building/site plans and models , using 3-D CAD software, for residential and commercial projects.

  Engineering Design and Development

  Work as a team to design and construct a solution to an authentic engineering problem.

PREREQUISITES- (Completed before you start the program)

• Successful in honors and college level curriculum
• College Prep Math and Science course each year of high school
• Algebra II
• 94% attendance and 2.0 GPA in academic level classes

SCHEDULE OF PROGRAM-  (4 credits 5.0 GPA/College Level and 1 credit honors)

FROM THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES- To see the most recent information go to the current Carroll County Program of Studies

EARN VALUABLE ENDORSEMNT  

OUR program is Project Lead the Way (PLTW©) certified-  Project Lead the Way provides curriculum and training that is developed nationally by high schools, colleges, and industry.  If you want to be set apart from other students in this field, Project Lead the Way will give you that edge.   

EARN COLLEGE CREDIT  

Engineering partners with these schools- Students can earn college credits in this program through our agreements with these colleges:

• Carroll Community College-3 credits (as of 8/7/2022)
• Frederick Community College – 3 credits
• Penn College of Technology – TBD
• Rochester Institute of Technology – 16 credits*
• The Community Colleges of Baltimore County – 3 credits
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County – 3 credits

*Transcripted Credits

Contact the college or trade school you plan to attend and find out if you can earn credits or advanced standing at their institution!

COLLEGE ADVANTAGE: 

Get a jump start on college- Use college level texts to earn college credit while having the training, skills, and experience that most high school graduates do not get until they are well into their college major. 

Students in engineering can earn up to 16 college credits on a transcript at Rochester Institute of Technology.  (based on class and end of course grades) That means that colleges looking at our curriculum, equipment, instructors and facility deem our program as the equivalent of college courses.   

• Four out of the five credits students take in this program are on the 5.0 GPA scale and the 5th class is an honors class.
• Many of our graduates report back that the skills they learn in this program benefit them well into their junior year of college and get them noticed by their professors.
• Parents and students contemplating this program often ask....what colleges do PLTW Engineering students attend after CCCTC?  Well here is the short list!
• Parents and students who have gone through this program report back that the networking with other students, parents, teachers and engineers has given them an important community of support as students go off to college and even as they move on to a career.

To summarize, college level texts to earn college credit while having the training, skills, and experience that most high school graduates do not get until they are well into their college major.  This program puts you in touch with state of the art  technology so students can experience their chosen career field before they go to college.

  CAREER ADVANTAGE:

Start your career NOW- Work with industry grade technology that our local business partners use every day.  This shows employers you are trained in a Project Lead the Way facility and have the skills industry is looking for in a Engineering lab tech.  These skills allow the best students to come back as CCCTC interns or find an internship at a local businesses. 

Project Lead the Way-  PLTW creates an engaging, hands-on classroom environment and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive. PLTW also provides teachers with the training, resources, and support they need to engage students in real-world learning. (We have been recognized as a model school by this organization (one of 16) which touts over 2000 high schools on their membership.)

Frederick Community College, Penn College of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, The Community Colleges of Baltimore County, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County- all have an agreement with CCCTC based on the college's requirements for curriculum, faculties, and instructor that is reviewed and renewed periodically to guarantee that students are getting the equivalent instruction at CCCTC that would be expected in class at that institution.  Credits are awarded based on that agreement.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNSEL  By Federal and state regulations each program has a group of local business and educational institutions that periodically meets to discuss  the programs curriculum and resources to make sure current trends in technology and skills are being taught so that students are prepared for the ever changing career requirements for that industry.