Lowie Paz, an engineering teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Maryland, is seeing remarkable growth in his classroom after completing e4usa’s summer professional development program. The training, which introduced teachers to Onshape and advanced design tools, has already transformed the way his students approach engineering challenges.
“The experience has been very helpful and has improved my teaching and my students’ engagement in class,” Paz shared. Since returning to school, he has integrated Onshape into his curriculum, empowering students to create 3D models and apply professional design techniques. One of their first major projects focused on designing innovative shoe soles, a challenge that encouraged students to blend creativity, engineering, and emerging technology.
Students incorporated step counters, GPS, temperature sensors, and other smart features into their designs. Their work demonstrated not only technical skill but also a strong understanding of how engineering can address real-world needs. To conclude the lesson, students completed a hands-on build that brought their digital designs to life, resulting in fully integrated, functional prototypes.
Paz expressed deep appreciation for the training and its impact:
“Thank you again for this opportunity and for supporting us in bringing engineering and innovation to our students.”
He also shared several examples of student work, highlighting how e4usa’s summer program continues to foster creativity, problem-solving, and excitement for engineering.
“What we’re seeing in classrooms like Mr. Paz’s is exactly what workforce development looks like at the high school level,” said Dr. Stacy Klein-Gardner, Executive Director of e4usa. “When educators are equipped with the right tools and training, they empower students to engage in meaningful engineering work, building skills, confidence, and pathways that prepare them for the future.”
