See where the seniors from the Engineering Academy are going!
2006 Engineering Academy Seniors (.pdf file)

While each university is different, most will state that a foreign language may be recommended but not mandatory.  If it is an engineering university/college, most prefer students who have had exposure to 5 engineering classes over an exposure to a foreign language.  Other opportunities exist to fulfill foreign language  requirements as well, such as taking a foreign language course at the university as an elective or taking a course at Montgomery County Community College while still in high school. 

Please see the following attachment.  The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file shows the Engineering Academy's senior class, the universities they have applied to and the schools where they have been accepted.  None of the seniors have taken a foreign language while at NPHS.

2006 Engineering Academy Seniors

The two sophomore engineering classes are suggested not required. By taking two classes in the sophomore and junior years, the students are able to take the senior capstone course and possibly an engineering elective. Taking one class in the sophomore year means they have to take two major engineering classes in the junior and senior years. We used to do it this way but found students were unable to take full advantage of the senior capstone course. Having to take two required classes their senior year doesn't allow for all the information/options to be learned that are available to complete the senior project.

If you have a university in mind, please check their admission requirements to make a more informed decision.

Project Lead The Way® (PLTW) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.

The Engineering Academy receives its curriculum, software packages, and teacher training from PLTW on a yearly basis,  The curriculum is current and the software is updated regularly to give our students the most up-to-date information available.

What is the Engineering Academy?
The North Penn Engineering Academy represents a course sequence that addresses the educational needs of students planning on a post high school educational program in a two or four year college leading to a career in engineering or engineering technology. The program offers students an opportunity to explore potential occupational paths, and if appropriate, to prepare for the college experience.  The Engineering Academy is for any 5.0 or 6.0 level student who is contemplating a career in Engineering. Students who wish to enroll in The Engineering Academy must complete the application process available from their guidance counselor or from this website (click here).

How does the Engineering Academy relate to Project Lead The Way?
In 1999, when the Academy concept was in development at North Penn High School, our Technology Education department began the concept of introducing an Engineering Academy.  There was only one problem...How do we develop a strong curriculum that will prepare our students for the rigors of college without a formal engineering background?  This is where Project Lead the way enters the scene.

PLTW has developed a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.

Click Here to view the Project Lead the Way website?

Project Lead the Way Overview: 28 Page Program Overview
Click Here to download a copy (.pdf - 1.64MB)

Students who have done well in their math and science courses and who like to use computers will find these courses intellectually stimulating and manageable. Each course has something special to offer all students because it is, depending on the course, a hands-on daily experience in problem-solving skills, in electronics, robotics, and manufacturing processes. Because PLTW believes engineering and engineering technology are exciting careers, instructors have been trained in a teaching approach which involves students in the same team problem-solving activities used in college and industry. In addition, the problem-solving/analytical skills and processes are applicable to any career field. If, however, a student decides engineering is not for him or her, that learning will have occurred in high school and not later in college.

Yes.  There are end-of-course assessments (Parts A and B) that are administered during the final exam testing period in late May to early June. In addition, we are currently in the process of being certified through the college certification process and will offer the college credit assessment (Part C) for those students seeking college credit.  All students will take Part A.  Students will also take Part B or C, depending on their future college plans.

• Parts A and B = High School Credit

• Parts A and C = College Credit

Yes.  While there are not as many girls enrolled as we would hope, we are continually striving to increase the female enrollment.  Click here for more information.

Q:

Yes, shortly.  Our plans are that by the end of this academic school year, students who have successfully completed the Engineering Academy courses and the exams will have the opportunity earn Penn State or RIT credits.

There are also a number of affiliate universities that offer credit to PLTW graduates who pass the college exams as well.

Click here to see the list of these colleges and universities.

Penn State Credit Breakdown: (9 Semester Credits)
Secondary school students in Pennsylvania from PLTW-certified schools may apply for Pennsylvania State University college credit for three PLTW courses (IED 4 credits, POE 1 credit, & DE 4 credits). Penn State requires students to receive at least an 85 percent average in the PLTW course, score 70 or above on the end of year college credit exam, and meet academic eligibility requirements for a two-year engineering technology major (Electrical Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology).

There are end-of-course assessments (Parts A and B) during the final exam testing period. In addition, we are currently in the process of being certified through the college certification process and will offer the college credit assessment (Part C) for those students seeking college credit.  All students will take Part A.  Students will also take Part B or C, depending on their future college plans.

• Parts A and B = High School Credit

• Parts A and C = College Credit

RIT Credit Breakdown: (20 Quarter Credits)
Secondary school students from any PLTW-certified school may apply for RIT college credit for five of the PLTW courses (IED, POE, CIM, DE, CEA). RIT requires these students to receive at least an 85 percent average in the course and score 70 or above on the college credit exam.  For the students meeting these criteria, RIT awards 4 quarter credits for each of the five courses, and the cost of tuition is $200 per course.  RIT's academic departments evaluate the acceptability of these credits in the same manner in which they evaluate and confer transfer credits.

Click here to see the other PLTW affilliated universities around the country!