Clark State Community College will offer the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation program to local high school students next summer. Through a new partnership of the two institutions, outstanding students will have the opportunity to experience how engineers approach real-world problems by applying classroom knowledge of math and science.
Engineering Innovation (EI) is a four-week summer course for high school students developed by JHU’s Whiting School of Engineering. The program was highlighted recently on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
The intensive curriculum consists of lab work, group projects, college-level lectures and assignments that culminate in a Spaghetti Bridge Competition. During the competition, student teams design and construct a bridge made only of spaghetti and glue, and it cannot weigh more than 250 grams--just over a half-pound. The team’s engineering skills are put to the test when weights are suspended from each bridge. Whichever structure handles the most weight, wins.
EI will be delivered in Clark State science and computer labs on the Leffel Lane campus. Only 24 students will be accepted into the Clark County program, and local sponsor Rosalyn Bullock will pay the cost for all of the participants.
“This is an incredible opportunity that Mrs. Bullock is offering to Clark County high school students, and we are excited to partner with Johns Hopkins in presenting it,” said Kristin Culp, vice president of advancement, Clark State Community College.
“Mrs. Bullock, JHU and Clark State want to recognize, encourage and engage students who have expressed an interest and talent in math and science," said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “We want to demonstrate how they can apply those talents in exciting fields of engineering.”
Clark County public and private high school students are encouraged to apply to the Engineering Innovation program. Applicants must have successfully completed Algebra II; Biology, Chemistry or Physics; and, must have knowledge of Trigonometry and a spreadsheet application such as Excel.
The new JHU/Clark State partnership sponsored by Mrs. Bullock also includes a one-week summer program for middle school students, participation in a national math competition and a noted math lecture program. For more information about any of the programs, contact Kristin Culp at 937.328.6087 or email culpk@clarkstate.edu. For more information about the sponsor, Mrs. Bullock, please contact Dan Harkins at 937. 324.8482.