When Ironwood High School in Glendale, Arizona, set out to expand engineering opportunities for all students, e4usa emerged as the perfect fit.
“e4usa aligns with our mission to make high-level learning accessible to all students, not just those already on a STEM pathway.”
—Dr. Chuck Balogh, Engineering Teacher
Ironwood first learned about e4usa through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). What stood out was the program’s emphasis on human-centered design and its welcoming approach for students with no prior engineering experience.
Transforming the Classroom Experience
By adopting e4usa, Ironwood sought to broaden participation in engineering and spark student curiosity through hands-on, real-world problem solving.
“e4usa students think like engineers from day one, asking questions, exploring possibilities, and designing solutions that matter.”
—Dr. Balogh
One standout project involved students redesigning an entryway to improve accessibility on campus, a moment where many realized engineering could directly help people in their community. Students now approach problems with empathy, creativity, and a willingness to iterate.
Professional Development That Empowers Teachers
Dr. Balogh describes e4usa’s professional development as supportive, energizing, and immediately applicable.
His top takeaways:
• Engineering truly is for everyone
• Human-centered design deepens learning
• Teachers are supported year-round through a national network
His message for educators considering e4usa:
“Do it. It’s not just professional development, it’s professional empowerment.”
Bring e4usa to Your School
Ironwood’s experience shows how e4usa can transform engineering education by opening doors for students of every background and helping teachers deliver meaningful, community-impactful learning.
Schools across Arizona and nationwide can join this growing movement to inspire future engineers, innovators, and problem solvers.
Interested in learning more? We would love to help you bring e4usa to your school or district.
