Editor’s Note: This piece was also posted in the Benet Herald 2023 Graduation Edition.

For the first time in 15 years, a new Department is being formed at Benet Academy. The Engineering and Computer Science Department comprises courses which were part of the Mathematics, Science, and Fine Arts departments. The department teaches students independent thinking and problem solving skills, while also utilizing online resources. The Department consists of six courses contained in three programs: the AP Computer Science sequence, the AutoCAD sequence, and Principles of Engineering. The AP Computer Science sequence starts students off with foundational logic and programming skills in Introduction to Programming. Many students continue with their studies, furthering their Java programming knowledge in Advanced Placement Computer Science. For those who dislike the coding required in these two courses, the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles course seeks to institute foundational knowledge about programming, the Internet, and how computers work. Like the AP Computer Science sequence, the AutoCAD sequence seeks to help students understand how to create designs in AutoCAD, which is a popular computer designing tool used by many engineers, architects, and graphic designers. The sequence seeks to educate students on using real-world software in a classroom setting. Finally, Principles of Engineering seeks to teach students how to solve issues using creative solutions, including VEX Robotics equipment and educational computer applications. Principles of Engineering has the unique honor of being sponsored by Project Lead the Way, a nonprofit organization which seeks to resolve the shortage of STEM jobs through courses at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Clearly, the Benet Engineering Department has a prosperous future. It combines specialized course material with strong instruction and analytical thinking. With the advent of this new Department, one can hope that its leaders will expand their offerings to account for the interests of Benet Academy’s students.