Kent School takes pride in its record of innovative and progressive educational endeavors. The Pre‐Engineering program started in 2007, with a framework that has two objectives: 1. to raise awareness of and expose our students to topics and practices in the Engineering and technical fields. 2. to identify interested students with the potential to succeed in Engineering‐related studies.
We hope to establish Kent School as a high school with a strong and diverse body of future Engineering students. To this end we seek to enrich the student STEM educational experience by: 1. developing the knowledge and talents of our faculty 2. offering dynamic and relevant coursework 3. encouraging the exploration of various Engineering topics using competitions, speakers, and field trips 4. providing financial assistance for independent study As the program grows in size, scope, and funding, we will expand the facilities available. For those who have the ability and interest in Pre‐ Engineering, we have organized a set of requirements – detailed below – which, when completed, earns students a Pre‐ Engineering Certificate. Kent School offered summer programs in 2012 and 2013 to give high school students, including those who will be beginning ninth grade, the chance to experience engineering education and entrepreneurship. The Summer Educational Experience at Kent (SEEK) has been offered in partnership with professionals from several institutions. The aim of this program is to foster greater interest among high school students in applied learning. The various SEEK programs focus on Pre‐Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Global Development. The programs promote curiosity and enthusiasm in these areas while building students’ confidence and skills, and developing their critical thinking and problem solving‐skills. In collaboration with institutions of higher learning, the program: 1) Provides an introduction to the field of Engineering and the skills needed for the conception, design and manufacture of materials; exposes students to topics and practices in the engineering and technical fields; and promotes systems thinking, creativity, optimism, collaboration, communication, and ethical considerations. 2) Cultivates in students the spirit of Entrepreneurship and innovation; raises awareness and appreciation of the role of the private sector in economic growth; fosters business analytical skills, explores the ethical and social aspects of enterprise development. 3) Inspires students to explore how to leverage the power of engineering in solving Global Development challenges; focuses on specific fields such as energy, education, health and nutrition; and examines the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions of economic change. The overall program builds on concepts such as the “Habits of Mind” outlined by the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the US National Research Council's Center for Education, as well as NAE’s report on Global Challenges for Engineering. It is conducted through lectures, hands‐on activities, field visits and roundtable discussions.