Sibley Elementary Partnership

A unique relationship exists between Padnos College of Engineering and Computing with Sibley Elementary school, a neighborhood school close to Pew Campus. Each Year, Grand Valley faculty and students interact with the 5th grade class at Sibley School for education and fun.

Sibley is special because the students that attend the school live in the areas surrounding the pew campus. Many of the kids would not normally be exposed to college. The idea of the Sibley Partnership is to expose students to activities that are different, technical, and somewhat challenging. By successfully completing the task, the students "glimpse their potential" and see a possible future.

The activities include campus tours, Electric Circuit activities, and a Pinewood Derby. The Pinewood Derby affords the Sibley students an opportunity to design, build, and decorate pinewood cars. The students then race their cars on a track at the School of Engineering and celebrate all their accomplishments with a party.

For more information visit: www.grps.org/sibley

West Michigan Aviation Academy Partnership

West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA) is a unique regional, tuition-free public charter high school with a vision to “provide a rigorous educational program through an aviation focus, preparing students for college achievement, career success, and engaged citizenship.” Approximately 28% of the students enrolled at WMAA are female, and approximately 35% of the total population of students is on the free or reduced lunch program.

The curriculum at WMAA is designed not only for students with a passion for aviation, but also those with a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Curriculum pathways include Flight Science, Engineering, Aviation Business Administration, and Aviation Technology (Airframe and Power Plant and/or Avionics). Additionally, WMAA provides a STEM Endorsement recognition program for students who have strong interest and performance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The endorsement requires that students maintain a grade of B or higher in all of the following STEM courses: 4 credits of mathematics; 4 credits of science (2 credits must be AP or Honors); and 4 additional credits in STEM electives.

The Padnos College of Engineering and Computing has partnered with West Michigan Aviation Academy to provide curriculum and activity support to students in this STEM rich environment, and to cultivate excitement, understanding, passion and skill in the fields of engineering and technology, while enhancing the creativity, critical thinking, community outreach, public speaking, and team building skills of young men and women. 

For more information visit: www.westmichiganaviation.org

A collaboration between Grand Valley State University and West Michigan Aviation Academy will support high school students learning about science, technology, engineering and math as they pursue careers focused on aviation.

Academy of Modern Engineering Partnership

The Academy for Modern Engineering @ Innovation Central High School is one of the top performing schools in all of West Michigan with a 99% graduation rate and the only school in the region dedicated to preparing students for college and career success in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. The rigorous college prep curriculum is sponsored by partners from a variety of forums- institutions of higher education, non-profit and professional associations as well as leading local, regional and national businesses.

The Padnos College of Engineering and Computing supports the AME program through mentoring and participation on the Advisory Board. 

For more information visit: www.grps.org/innovationcentral

Academy of Design & Construction Partnership

Academy of Design & Construction (ADC) appeals to students with an interest in architecture, engineering, design, and construction by enriching its academic program with the active involvement of professionals and partnerships with business, institutions, and universities.

In addition to integrating the themes of design and construction throughout the curriculum, ADC exposes students to real world landmark structures, sites, and designs through field trips, hands-on learning, job shadowing, mentorships, and professional internships. Students are also able to earn college credit or credits toward post-secondary trades certification.  

Each student of the Academy of Design & Construction will be assigned an industry professional mentor and experience real-world field training in addition to learning core curriculum. Upon graduation, students will be ready to enter the job market, accelerate into vocational training, or pursue a specialized degree in a design, engineering or construction management program at a leading university.

The Padnos College of Engineering and Computing supports the ADC thorough participation on the Advisory Board.

For more information visit: www.grps.org/innovationcentral