Engineering Institute

In their first year of the E3 insititue, sophomores will participate in a summer camp to excite and introduce the students into the engineering design proces. Their coursework will expose them to the field of engineering, specifically: what engineering is, what engineers do, and the variety of different types of engineering. Students will learn and apply the engineering design process and follow it to create solutions to design challenges. Students will also learn some basic CAD and machining skills necessary to produce models and prototypes for their solutions. Students will work as teams on design challenges and give presentations of their solutions. The cohort will spend a day at Target Corporation, meeting with engineers and learning about their education, interests and how they apply their education, skills and talents to their job.
 

Junior cohort members will participate in a summer camp at the University of St. Thomas that focuses on design challenges in electronics and rocketry. In their Engineering 2 class, students continue to explore engineering specialties and occupations. Students will apply their knowledge and skills learned in Engineering 1 on four major team projects throughout the semester. Emphasis will be placed on following the engineering design process to come up with creative solutions to challenges presented to them. Projects will be chosen from a variety of engineering fields, and their solutions will be tested through the use of models and prototypes created through a variety of manufacturing processes, including the use of the 3D printer and laser cutter, Arduinos, and fabrication using shop equipment. Students continue to develop their presentation skills with each project and become more comfortable with technical writing. Juniors have the opportunity to meet with engineers at Medtronic Operational Headquarters, tour their labs and facilities and learn about the variety of engineering types and professionals who work for the company.

In their final year of the E3 Institute, seniors will participate in coursework to take an engineering project from conception to completion. They will publicly present their project and findings to a larger audience. The process will involve conceptualizing, designing, testing, modifying, presenting a functioning product or system.

The E3 Institute is open 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 Institute strongly encourages females to apply for the program. With diverse backgrounds, abilities and skills, the E3 Institute will be a rich and vibrant experience for all who are involved.

Here is just a short list of skills that you will develop as a part of the E3 Institute:

• 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

The E3 Institute is a 3-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 (4 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.

Information Session
An information session for interested freshmen will take place in January in the Totino-Grace Auditorium. Details for this event will be communicated to students and in electronic parent communication channels.

Application
The online application form will be available following the January information session.

Recommendation Form
Students must ask a teacher to complete a recommendation form. The teacher recommendation form will be available following the January information session.

Interview
Applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with program directors to discuss the student's interest, skills and past experiences. Interviews will take place in February. 

Notification
Students will be notified of their acceptance into the E3 Institute in late February.