Engineering Academy Initiative for Alabama (EAIA)

The Engineering Academy Initiative for Alabama (EAIA) is being developed as collaboration between the Alabama Department of Education, Colleges of Engineering, and the Alabama Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education Coalition (AMSTEC) in an effort to increase high school engineering programs in Alabama.  The goal of this collaboration is to substantially increase the number of high school graduates selecting engineering as a career by providing them with curriculum and processes in high school that will serve as preparation for the study of advanced pre-engineering college mathematics and sciences. 

This program will offer students who are interested in a career in engineering an opportunity to develop a better understanding of requirements to enter this career field.  Schools that are chosen to participate will provide field trips, speakers, and equipment to demonstrate real world engineering experiences.  This opportunity will prepare students for college-level programs through the integration of technical and academic skills taught and practiced in lecture, discussion, lab work, individual and group projects and field experience.  At the core of the model is a strong sequence of math and science courses that will provide the necessary foundation for an undergraduate engineering curriculum.  The design of the program is intended to give students the opportunity to engage in the engineering design process and develop a skill set that is vital for engineers.