HIGH TECH ACADEMY (HTA) (Course numbers: “See Table below”)
Offered at the Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Highland Springs
ACE @ Highland Springs Instructors: Allison Buschy
(Credits: “See Table below”)
Engineering is the art and science of creating solutions that make our lives better. Engineers use their creativity, knowledge and skills to design, build and improve products, systems and services that we use every day. From smartphones to bridges, from vaccines to robots, engineers are behind some of the most amazing innovations that shape our world.
But engineering is not only important for the things it produces. Engineering is also important for the people who do it. Engineering careers offer many benefits, such as:
– Challenging and rewarding work: Engineers enjoy solving complex problems and seeing the impact of their work on society. They are always learning new things and developing new skills.
– Diverse and flexible opportunities: Engineers can work in many different fields and industries, such as aerospace, biotechnology, energy, environment, health care, manufacturing, transportation and more. They can also choose from various roles and specialties, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, software, chemical, biomedical and more.
– High demand and salary: Engineers are in high demand in the global market, as they are essential for innovation and development. Engineers also earn competitive salaries that reflect their value and contribution.
– Social and environmental responsibility: Engineers have the power and responsibility to make a positive difference in the world. They can use their skills and knowledge to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, poverty, disease, security and more.
Engineering careers are important because they offer many opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as for making a positive impact on society. If you are interested in engineering, you can start by exploring the different fields and disciplines of engineering, finding out what engineers do and how they do it, and looking for educational and career pathways that suit your interests and goals. Engineering is a rewarding career choice that can help you achieve your dreams and make the world a better place.
Engineering is the art and science of creating solutions that make our lives better. Engineers use their creativity, knowledge, and skills to design, build and improve products, systems, and services that we use every day. From smartphones to bridges, from vaccines to robots, engineers are behind some of the most amazing innovations that shape our world. Our dual-credit engineering program, High Tech Academy, is a collaborative program with VCU and prepares students for careers in high tech industries.
The High Tech Academy (HTA) is a dual-credit enrollment program offered by Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Located at Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs, this collaborative program prepares secondary students for future careers in high tech industries.
Students in this two-year program follow a rigorous academic curriculum that incorporates industrial applications in a high tech atmosphere. Working in teams through project-based learning, the students engage in coursework in advanced mathematics and science within the framework of high tech industrial applications. HTA students can receive up to 28 dual enrollment credit hours through VCU. Applicants must be registered in a Henrico County high school. Two curriculum tracks are available based on the student’s math background (see below). A completed application, transcript, and three teacher recommendations (science, mathematics, and 1 other) are required.
Students prepare for the NOCTI Pre-engineering certification exam, taken during their second year. HTA completer who pass this exam may qualify to receive the Governor’s Seal, VDOE Advanced Mathematics and Technology seal as well as the VDOE Career and Technical Education Seal and the Board of Education’s Seal for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Click here to go to the Virginia Department of Education diploma seals page.
An orientation at VCU prior to attending High Tech Academy is required.
Sample Four-Year Curriculum
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English 9 | English 10 | English 11 | English 12 | |
| Social Studies | Social Studies | Virginia and United States History | Virginia and United States Government | |
| Health and P.E. | Health and P.E. | *World Language | *World Language | |
| *World Language | *World Language | Elective | Elective |
| Track 1 | Offered | Every | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track 1 | Geometry | Algebra II | VCU Precalculus (4 credits-MATH151) | VCU Calculus (8 credits-MATH200/201) |
| Earth Science | Biology | VCU Chemistry** (8 credits-CHEM101/102, CHEZ 101/102 | VCU Physics** (8 credits-PHYS101/107, PHYZ1010) | |
| Elective | Elective | Engineering Explorations 1 Honors | Engineering Analysis & Application II Honors |
| Track 2 | Not | Offered | every year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Geometry | VCU Precalculus (4 credits-MATH151) | VCU Calculus (8 credits-MATH101/102 | |
| Earth Science | Biology | VCU Physics** (8 credits-PHYS101/107, PHYZ1010) | VCU Chemistry** (8 credits-CHEM101/102,CHEZ101/102) | |
| Elective | Elective | Engineering Explorations 1 Honors | Engineering Explorations 1 Honors |
- *Note: Refer to Section 1 to determine which graduation requirements apply to you.
- **VCU Sciences may be taken in any order.
- For information, call the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs 804-328-4075
Henrico’s CTE High Tech Academy is a dual credit course with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
NOTE: All VCU dual credit courses (precalculus, calculus, chemistry, and physics) are weighted the same as AP courses on the high school transcript. HTA Engineering courses are reflected as honors.
Click here to see the VCU Fall Tuition, Fees & Other Expenses Undergraduate, Graduate & Professional Students.
Henrico County Public Schools pays the VCU tuition for each CTE High Tech Academy student.
For questions please click here to email the Pre-Engineering and Industrial Careers, Agricultural Education, and JROTC Specialist or visit their page here.
Desired Aptitudes: Students should have a strong interest and background in math and science. Completion of Algebra II (preferably honors) is required before admission.
Refer to Diploma Requirements to determine which graduation requirements apply to you.
**VCU Sciences may be taken in any order.
For information, call the ACE Center at Highland Springs at 328-4075.
Employment Outlook (According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition):
|
Occupation |
Job Summary |
MEDIAN SALARY |
| Aerospace Engineers | Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. | $97,480 |
| Agricultural Engineers | Agricultural engineers—also known as biological and agricultural engineers—work on a variety of activities. These activities range from aquaculture (raising food, such as fish, that thrive in water) to land farming to forestry. | $71,090 |
| Architects | Architects plan and design buildings and other structures. | $72,550 |
| Biomedical Engineers | Biomedical engineers analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine. | $81,540 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Cartographers and photogrammetrists measure, analyze, and interpret geographic information to create maps and charts for political, cultural, educational, and other purposes. | $54,510 |
| Chemical Engineers | Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. These problems involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. | $90,300 |
| Civil Engineers | Civil engineers design and supervise large construction projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. | $77,560 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers to create rapid advancement in computer technology. | $98,810 |
| Drafters | Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings and plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers. | $47,880 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. | $87,180 |
| Environmental Engineers | Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems such as control of water and air pollution. | $78,740 |
| Industrial Engineers | Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. | $76,100 |
| Landscape Architects | Landscape architects plan and design land areas for parks, recreational facilities, highways, airports, and other properties. | $62,090 |
| Materials Engineers | Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. | $83,120 |
| Mechanical Engineers | Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. | $78,160 |
| Nuclear Engineers | Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to get benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. | $99,920 |
| Petroleum Engineers | Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. | $114,08 |