The goal of the four-year program of study is to provide an overview of engineering and engineering technology. Students use problem-solving skills to tackle real-world engineering problems. Hands-on opportunities with computers and project simulations help students to understand technical concepts.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is an engaging and thought provoking curriculum through which students develop critical thinking skills through hands-on project-based learning, preparing them to take on real-world challenges.

College Advantage

Whether a student plans to attend a four-year university or two-year associate program CATA offers all the required subjects necessary for post-secondary education. Many required courses in the Pre-Engineering Academy carry honors credit. Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities also exist within the core curriculum. Successful completion of Honors and/or AP courses can boost a student’s GPA.  

Foundation Courses

PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design (Advanced)- Students are exposed to the design process, research and analysis, global and human impacts, communication methods, engineering standards and technical documentations. They use 3D solid modeling design software to design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will make presentations explaining their solutions.

PLTW Principles of Engineering (Advanced)- Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Student document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.

PLTW Digital Electronics (Advanced)-Digital Electronics touches our lives on a daily basis. It is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high definition televisions. It is essential for anyone in a technical field to have a basic understanding of how digital systems, sensors and controls work. Students focus on the process of combinational and sequential logic design, methods, engineering standards and technical documentation.

Primary Engineering Courses

Pre-Engineering: Pre-Engineering Track ; Pre-Engineering Tech Track

*All courses are required to achieve academy recognition (not elective options). The prerequisite for each course is successful completion of the previous course. In addition, the following math prerequisites strongly encouraged to be successful in the CATA classes. 

Computers Integrated Manufacturing – Math III

Drafting I – Math I

Principles of Engineering – Pre-Calculus, Physics (optional)

Pre-Engineering Course Information 

Clip Art courtesy of Microsoft