Incline Education Fund was awarded a $50K grant from the Washoe County Reinvestment Grant Program for equipment for the the new Engineering & Entrepreneurship program at Incline High School. The program prepares students for a STEM degree- or even an entry-level career in a STEM field right out of high school.
The program is taught by Washoe County School District 20-year veteran instructor and Incline High School teacher Adam Shoda. Mr. Shoda previously ran the Aerospace Engineering program at the Galena High School STEM Academy.
The IHS Engineering and Entrepreneurship program utilizes the Project Lead the Way Aerospace Engineering curriculum. All classes are managed under a Simulated Workplace (SR) classroom management model and include the 4th year advanced studies course, Engineering Design and Development.
The aerospace engineering pathway teaches students the skills they need to succeed in any engineering field. This curriculum engages students through hands-on learning and problem- solving projects that are applicable to any career. Students are taught to analyze information, giving them a foundation in engineering concepts.
The grant allowed IEF to purchase CNC plasma cutters, routers, laser cutters, engravers, and carpentry shop tools. Working with this equipment, students graduate skilled in 3D modeling and printing, photoshop essentials, large format printing, UV printing and basic sewing.
These skills, learned in combination with the formal curriculum, will also provide students with the opportunity to become young entrepreneurs.
This engineering and entrepreneurship program was a key driver behind the recent OSIT STEM Designation of Incline High School as a STEM school.