e4usa: Transforming Student Futures Through Real-World Experience

Kate Pezzano

At e4usa , we believe in the transformative power of engineering education. Our mission is to break down barriers and empower a new generation of engineers by providing students with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in this dynamic field. Through a standardized, design-based curriculum, e4usa prepares students not just for college, but for life.

Kate Pezzano, an e4usa alumna, shares how the program laid a strong foundation for her future. “e4usa prepared me for college and my job by familiarizing me with important processes and procedures, like the engineering design process, Gantt chart scheduling, and QODs. It also gave me real-world experience with meeting a client's needs through the community-based project!”

This hands-on approach to learning is what sets e4usa apart. Students are not just passive learners—they are active problem solvers, working on projects that impact their communities. Carlos Cruz, who now serves as a safety/project engineer in Maryland, reflects on his time with e4usa: “One memorable experience from high school involved designing a water filter—a hands-on project that got me pumped up with energy for creating curious solutions. Despite its challenges, witnessing the mechanism in action made every effort worthwhile.”

e4usa also helps students discover their passion for engineering and solidifies their career paths. Gracie Gore, another e4usa alumna, describes how the program influenced her career choice: “e4usa helped confirm an interest in engineering and encouraged me to pursue it as a profession. It helped me understand the broad applications of engineering to improve the lives of people and support communities. Having a taste of the design process gave me a better appreciation for the care and meticulous planning that goes into developing a product.”

The impact of e4usa extends far beyond high school. Jacob Davis, who recently graduated at the top of his class and earned membership in Alpha-Nu-Sigma, the Nation’s Nuclear Engineering Honor Society, credits e4usa for giving him a head start in college. “My time with e4usa was instrumental in my college education. Unlike my peers, I came into college with an understanding of many of the key aspects of engineering already understood. Not only was I a capable problem solver and contributor, but I learned numerous project management skills.”

As of the 2023-2024 academic year, 21 institutions in 13 states offer pathways for students to receive college credit and placement for completing e4usa in high school. We are excited to see this number grow as more institutions explore ways to recognize and reward the achievements of e4usa students.

At e4usa, we are not just teaching engineering; we are shaping the engineers of tomorrow. By providing students with an authentic, design-based experience, we are helping them see themselves as engineers and giving them the confidence and skills they need to succeed in this exciting and rewarding field. Join us in this journey and discover the power of engineering for yourself.

Kate Pezzano Work ProjectKate PezzanoJacob DavisKate Pezzano Work Project
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