CGCC Partners with Johns Hopkins University for Engineering Innovation

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) selected CGCC as a partner for the Baltimore-based university’s Engineering Innovation program. Engineering Innovation is a summer program for high school students with an aptitude in math and science and an interest in engineering. In the program, students learn to think and problem-solve like engineers and have the opportunity to earn JHU credit. CGCC is the only school in Arizona, and one of just 15 locations in the country, to host Engineering Innovation.

“We’re honored to partner with an institution as renowned as Johns Hopkins for Engineering Innovation,” said Dr. Greg Peterson, CGCC President. “This partnership emphasizes the quality of engineering and STEM programs at CGCC and our ability to leverage institutional relationships to provide the best opportunities for our local community and high school students.”

Engineering Innovation launched in 2006 with the goal of educating students about careers, internships and educational opportunities in engineering. Students complete lab activities in civil, chemical, electrical/computer, mechanical engineering and materials science. They also take quizzes, write a research paper, learn about engineering economics and present a response to a request for proposal.

“Engineering Innovation is excited to partner with Chandler-Gilbert Community College in bringing our pre-college engineering course to Arizona,” said Dr. Karen Borgsmiller, Director of Engineering Innovation. “We value this collaboration and our shared desire to inspire more youth to consider careers in engineering.”

Engineering Innovation is hosted at the CGCC Williams campus and taught by Angel Fuentes, Chair of the CGCC’s Physical Sciences and Engineering division. The inaugural program semester began on June 17 and culminated in a national graduation ceremony held across all commuter program locations, on July 18. Students meet four days a week and study curriculum developed by JHU.

“This is an incredible opportunity for high school students in our community and the entire Phoenix-area,” said Fuentes. “Participants work together to solve problems, develop necessary work skills for an engineer and grow academically from the knowledge they gain from a world-class research institution. Coupled with CGCC's highest engineering student transfer rate to the Arizona universities, these students are getting an opportunity of a lifetime and being productive about their future.”

For more information on Engineering Innovation, visit https://ei.jhu.edu/.