If the Tiger Woods Learning Center is an accurate barometer, high school students' interest in engineering is on the rise.
Students in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties in California apply to participate in activities at the TWLC, including Synergistic Suites for high school students who want to explore Digital Manufacturing, Multimedia, Aerospace Rocketry and Engineering.
Working in Suite Teams of six, students complete only one Harbor rotation during their seven-week session, but that's enough to fill their minds with career possibilities, especially in the field of engineering.
"The suites are well-equipped and fun to work in. You feel like you are really an engineer with the challenges given to you," said Shireen, a TWLC student. "I like it because it makes me think about my future more often."
Students also recognize the importance of teamwork in the field of engineering. "I really liked engineering because it had us really work together on our task. We didn't only learn about the assignment; we learned how to cooperate with each other," said Suzanne.
Tim added: "What I liked about engineering in (the suites) was the way you could always go at your own pace, and I also liked how we were in smaller groups so we were able to get to know more about our group members, unlike in larger classes."
TWLC executive director Kathy Bihr says students learn valuable new skills through the latest equipment and software built into the suites.
"At the end of each session, students prepare presentations for their classmates and families," said Bihr. "This allows them to showcase the skills and techniques they acquired while solving the challenges given to them in each of the suites."
The TWLC focuses on career exploration in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines because these areas require critical thinking and creativity and they encourage innovation. Synergistic Modules and LEGO Education products are among the other curricular offerings enjoyed and explored by 300 TWLC students each week.
