Last week at Chantilly High School, a group of engineering students adjusted the wheels on their work-in-progress, a robot they've named Captain Hook. When they are done, the robot will be able to move around the room on its own and lift objects off the floor.
Imad Arain, 17, a junior, said he and his classmates are learning about structural engineering, computer programming and even how electricity works.
Jerry Skene, right, a volunteer mentor for Chantilly Academy's robotics program, helps Chris Wilkerson, left, and Nate Laverdure with their project. Such students will be able to earn engineering credits at George Mason University.
(Photos Jahi Chikwendiu -- The Washington Post)
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"It's a good way to learn the practical life problems," Arain said. "I used to ask my math teacher all the time, 'When are we going to use these algebra equations?' This is the time."
Beginning this year, Arain and his classmates could get more than knowledge and experience from the class. Last week, Fairfax County schools and George Mason University, in the first such arrangement between the institutions, signed an agreement that will allow students who complete either of two engineering classes to earn three university credits.
Douglas Wright, administrator of the Chantilly Academy, the professional and technical studies program within the high school, said the agreement could help economically disadvantaged students get a start at George Mason. For other students, it could provide the boost they need to gain admission to the university. And, he said, it shows that the academy class isn't just "a glorified shop class."
"This is high-level stuff," Wright said. "George Mason looked at our curriculum and said what you are doing is the same thing."
Fairfax County School Superintendent Jack D. Dale said the agreement, formalized Thursday at Chantilly, is an example of programs he plans to promote. Dale said the district is seeking more opportunities for high school students to begin their college careers before graduation.
"My strong desire and belief is that this ought to be the model of how we create these kinds of partnerships across the content areas," Dale said. "Every one of our high school kids is capable of it, and we need to acquire this ability for all of them."
Most colleges and universities allow incoming students to earn credit for high school Advanced Placement courses. In Fairfax, students who take classes including those in business and culinary arts can earn credits at Northern Virginia Community College. The district has similar agreements with Johnson & Wales University and Stratford University, among other institutions.
Chantilly engineering teacher Martin Rothwell said the seeds of the partnership with George Mason were sown about three years ago when he attended an open house at the Falls Church-based Stratford University, which also has a campus in Woodbridge. Rothwell said he was impressed by the engineering program and approached George Donohue, director of the Air Transportation Systems Research Center.
"I said, 'I'd like to send you some of my best and brightest students,' " Rothwell recalled. "He said, 'I'd like to have some of your best and brightest students.' "
The high school and university began working together, Wright said. Professors helped tweak the lesson plans for the engineering physics and engineering systems classes, and now students in those areas can get credit for a basic systems engineering class.
George Mason University President Alan G. Merten said it's in the university's interest to have students enter classes with a good basic understanding of engineering. He said many of his most accomplished professors have been among the biggest advocates for the agreement.
"They see the opportunity of getting these kids early," Merten said. "You don't wait until they get a high school degree. You get them as soon as you can."
Arain said he's certain he wants to become an engineer, and he's considering George Mason. If he goes there, he'll have a few credits. "If I have the opportunity, why not?" he said. "George Mason is the school that is best in Northern Virginia in engineering."
