Engineering Institute
E3: Experiential Engineering Education
The Totino-Grace Engineering Institute will intellectually engage and challenge students in grades 10-12 with a rigorous curriculum that includes coursework focused on engineering, as well as exposure to the field of engineering through program components occurring outside of the classroom.
Institute components
- College-Prep Curriculum with emphasis on Math and Science and will also include critical thinking, public speaking and collaborative project-based learning skills.
- Required Courses in Math and Science as well as three semesters of Engineering-specific coursework.
- Seminars and Enrichment Activities including lectures, field trips and presentations outside the classroom.
- Mentorship Opportunities with professionals in Engineering careers.
- Internship/Field-Experience providing significant first hand experience in various areas of Engineering.
- Co-Curricular Activity center around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) opportunities.
- Capstone Project which culminates the student's experience within the Institute.
- Global Perspective through innovative international Engineering connections.
Engineering Institute - The Student Experience
In their first year in the E3 Institute, sophomores will explore engineering through a summer camp, hands-on design challenges, CAD and machining skills, team projects, field trip, and more!
Junior cohort members will attend a summer camp at the University of St. Thomas focused on electronics and rocketry, work on team projects applying engineering skills, and meet engineers at Medtronic to explore various engineering fields and careers.
In their final year, seniors will take an engineering project from concept to completion, designing, testing, and presenting a functioning product or system to a larger audience.
2025 Capstone Projects
- A custom, built-from-scratch drone, complete with PID control, vibration dampening, and wireless communication with the controller on the ground
- A device that measures and provides feedback on the speed and step placement of shotput throwers for use in training
- A robotic lacrosse ball collector, designed to traverse a turf field and gather loose lacrosse balls for easy clean-up
- A ping pong practice robot that moves from side to side, propelling ping pong balls at the user for extra practice
- A device that tracks pool chemical components for maintenance
- A Google Classroom-integrated homework website with a locker touchscreen display
- A wearable medication tracker with notifications and family monitoring
- A tremor-settling device for Parkinson's patients to ease the process of eating meals
- An electronic tennis ball recovery device
- A tracker for residents at assisted living homes, to ensure that nobody gets left behind or lost
- A yarn roller that turns tangled balls of yarn into perfectly organized "yarn cakes"
- A audio-focused baby monitor with a built-in timer for sleep training
FAQs
Who should apply to the E3 Institute?
The E3 Institute is open for applications to all current students in 9th grade, specifically who have an interest in the field of engineering. The Institute is looking for students who have a diversity of skills, interests, backgrounds, and abilities. Students who like math or science, hands-on learning, creative problem solving, and the ability to communicate to a variety of groups are highly encouraged to apply. The E3 Institute will be a rich and vibrant experience for all who are involved.
How many years will I be involved with the Institute?
The E3 Institute is a three year program where a group of students will work throughout the various components. Each year, the group of students will take a one-semester engineering course, as well as other Institute requirements (four years of math and science, participation in seminars/enrichment activities and field trips, collaboration with a professional mentor, and an engineering-related job shadowing experience). The Institute will begin with a seminar during the summer before sophomore year.
What skills will I develop?
Students will develop skills in creativity, problem-solving, creative critical thinking, teamwork, presentation and communication skills, ability to build and construct models, application of math and science skills, computer aided drafting, coding, and more.
How to Apply
The application deadline for the 2025-26 school year was in February. Stay tuned for the application for the 2026-27 school year.
Teacher Recommendation Forms: Students must ask two teachers (at least one being Math or Science) to complete a recommendation form. Students are advised to give ample time for teachers to complete and give THIS form.
Notification: Students will be notified of their acceptance into the E3 Institute prior to course registration.