High school courses form the foundation of an engineering education. Students need to take challenging math and science classes to prepare for college engineering programs. NACME provides information and resources to high school students and educators through the following initiatives:
The NACME Guide to Engineering Colleges
This booklet contains descriptions of every undergraduate engineering college in the United States having at least one curriculum accredited by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). It also contains information relevant to choosing a college or university, as well as a guide to financial aid.
Academy of Engineering
In response to a growing national need to educate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to meet the increasing demand for qualified employees in the field of engineering, the National Academy Foundation, Project Lead The Way, and NACME have partnered to create small learning communities at the high school level. These new schools are called Academies of Engineering (AOEs).
NACME STEM Innovation Grant
NACME STEM Innovation Grants provide teachers in inner-city communities with funding for projects that make students aware of opportunities to be found in engineering. The projects are aimed at turning classroom lessons into real-world applications that bring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts to life. The application deadline for the 2011–2012 school year is November 30, 2011.
Pre-Engineering Scholarships
The NACME Pre-Engineering Student Scholarship Program recognizes the nation’s highest achieving African American, Latino, and American Indian high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to science and engineering as a career goal. Each NACME Pre-Engineering Student Scholarship winner receives a certificate of recognition and a $2,500 award to be used toward the cost of attending a NACME Partner Institutionl, as well as a certificate of recognition. The application deadline for the 2011–2012 school year is April 23.
Study Tool Kit (Guaranteed 4.0)
Students who wish to pursue a rigorous curriculum in STEM subjects need to employ the best methods being used to improve comprehension and retention of information. Working with a nationally recognized leader in the field, NACME will deliver a tool kit to help high school students develop good study habits. Materials will also be provided to teachers and parents to support these students’ learning experience.
NACME STEM Urban Initiative
The NACME STEM Urban Initiative is a partnership between NACME and PLTW in which NACME supplements the provision of the PLTW's Pathway to Engineering curriculum in urban school districts throughout the country with the goal of preparing students for higher education and introducing them to a variety of exciting possibilities in engineering. NACME provides a comprehensive infrastructure of support to enhance math and science proficiency, inspire engagement on the engineering pathway, encourage innovation in engineering education, and promote readiness for college-level engineering study. The NACME STEM Urban Initiative was launched in September 2009 in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) system.
NACMEBacksMe
NACMEBacksMe.org provides students and teachers information about engineering careers and education oportunities for underrepresented minorities.