Pre-Engineering gives young women the time to explore, design, create and innovate.
Women comprise more than half of the world’s population and yet they only comprise about 28% of our nation’s science and engineering labor force. Fundamentally, we believe that the creativity, innovation and perspective of women in science, engineering, math and technology are critical to advance our world. That’s why we invested in a $9.5 million STEM addition to Beaumont School. Opened in January 2015, it provides us with state-of-the-art labs, maker space and classrooms to support our rigorous curriculum.
For the past few years, Beaumont has partnered with Motogo to tackle the engineering task of V8 engine. During IB Design Technology, students learn the inner mechanical workings of an engine by building a functional model. This lengthy and intricate process builds conceptual understanding, resilience, grit, and problem-solving skills. Motogo is a Cleveland-based company that aims to “bring back shop class” through a STEM curriculum centered around taking apart a motorcycle engine and putting it back together.
Beaumont’s Pre-Engineering Program introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering. In addition to a two-year engineering course (IB Design Technology) participants concentrate on science, math and computer science in their course selections.
Through programs such as Pre-Engineering, Beaumont is preparing young women to pursue STEM fields with confidence.
Women remain underrepresented in the science engineering workforce. According to National Science Foundation, Science and Engineering Indicators, 2018 report, women comprise:
- 12.5% of aerospace and aeronautical engineers
- 26.9% of biomedical engineers
- 22.5% of chemical engineers
- 32.4% of chemists
- 19.5% of civil, architectural, and sanitary engineers
- 26.4% of computer and mathematical scientists
- 10.0% of electrical and computer hardware engineers
- 33.3% of environmental engineers
- 18.3% of industrial engineers
- 8.6% of mechanical engineers
- 20.0% of nuclear engineers
- 18.4% of physicists and astronomers
Goals of Beaumont’s pre-engineering program are to:
- Expose students to opportunities in the field of engineering
- Develop the engineering thought processes of design and problem-solving in the context of real-world situations
- Develop the transferable skills of teamwork, public speaking, technical writing, etc.
- Encourage girls to consider enrolling in undergraduate engineering programs
- Prepare program participants for success in undergraduate engineering programs
Pre-Engineering Diploma Requirements
Students participating in the Pre-Engineering Program must complete the following requirements in addition to Beaumont's graduation requirements:
Beaumont also offers a variety of experiential opportunities in engineering, including Robotics Team, Engineering Club and BeauTech.
