High school students start their college education early at MCC with a CAD course

Over the summer, Middlesex Community College offered a Computer Aided Engineering/Design course as part of its College for Teens program. Students explored the field of engineering and gained experience for a possible future academic or career interest.

“I signed up because I wanted to learn how to use SOLIDWORKS, as I had only used Onshape for CAD,” said D. Danson, a student at MCC College for Teens in Lowell. “I learned how to navigate SOLIDWORKS, create and fully define sketches, build various 3D objects from those sketches, and create keyboard shortcuts. The MCC course gave me experience with a more widely used CAD program.”

The College for Teens Engineering/CAD course offered high school students an opportunity to learn about the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field. MCC Engineering Professor Angel Escalona taught the course in six sessions at MCC’s Bedford campus from June 3-12.

“This type of course includes short sessions and engineering-related topics,” Escalona said. “Companies are in desperate need of people with 3D modeling knowledge. The course exposes students to a high-demand industry that is looking for people with the knowledge and skills they can gain.”

During this course, students learned and experimented with tools and software such as 3D printers, practical printed circuit boards, and SOLIDWORKS. In addition, they acquired skills and values ​​that will help them pursue their engineering careers through interactive lectures and exercises.

“The students were able to learn quickly,” Escalona said. “They understood the content well and learned how to use the software without too much difficulty, which made the teaching process easier. It was interesting to see how focused they were on the topics.”

To complete the course, students took a final assessment. Upon successful completion of the program, they received credit for IDS135 – STEM Career Exploration at MCC.

“Companies are desperate for people with 3D modeling knowledge,” he said. “They expect engineers to know the software. That gives people who know it an advantage over people who don’t.”

Operated by MCC’s Community Education and Training division, College for Teens helps high school students develop life skills, values ​​and goals that build their confidence. Through learning and interacting with peers, they build positive habits and discover their personal strengths. The program offers courses in a variety of fields of study on campus and online.

“MCC’s College for Teens program supports high school students in their academic and career journeys,” said Audrey Nahabedian, dean of career education. “Through the learning opportunities provided, students can jump-start their college experience and explore multiple career paths at an affordable cost.”

Fall 2024 courses include Medical Laboratory Technology Career Exploration, Presentation Skills: Speaking with Confidence, Algebra I Review, and Algebra LL Review. For more information, visit middlesex.mass.edu/collegeforkids/cfteens.aspx.