Expanded Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy Receives $3 Million Grant
A capital campaign is under way to raise the matching $3 million for a new 12,000-square-foot facility.
The Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy is one of the most advanced engineering and science programs in the state of California. The four-year integrated course of study offers classes in physics, computer science and engineering design. The hands-on curriculum culminates in the construction of a robot during the senior year, which competes on the national stage. The combination of academics and technical innovation in the program gives students the competitive edge and true mastery of the skills necessary to enter the work force and pursue post-secondary education.
The program and the success of its graduates have increased demand for entrance. The DPEA now turns away twice as many deserving students as it enrolls because of a lack of space and facilities. Presently, a single regular science classroom houses the academy.
The California Department of Education has awarded the DPEA a $3 million grant for a new 12,000-square-foot facility on the Dos Pueblos High School campus to expand this opportunity to all interested students and improve the educational experience. The new facility will enable the engineering academy to triple enrollment.
By May, the academy needs to raise the matching $3 million. Contribute and spread the word. Mail donations to the DPEA Foundation, P.O. Box 313, Goleta, CA 93116-0313 or click here to donate online.
Jean Thomson represents the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy.
» wrote on 10/20/08 @ 10:49 PM
We have the gender breakdown, what is the ethnic breakdown?
» wrote on 10/21/08 @ 06:37 PM
Does it really matter? They are good kids, doing great work. Maybe we should kick some of them out to meet a suitable percentage. Say 55% Latino, 10% Black, 20% Asian-Pacific Islander, 15% Indian/White. Would that make everyone happy? Quit trying to social engineer everything.
» wrote on 10/22/08 @ 10:08 AM
It does matter. This Academy is a fantastic learning experience for all kids, but which kids are being catered to? Is it going to be another academy that the lower social-economic classes can’t afford to be in, like the MAD Academy were families are expected to “raise” something like $1500 a year to be in the program.
» wrote on 10/23/08 @ 02:13 PM
There are no fees involved in the program for the kids. I don’t understand trying to make this an issue about ethnicity. Aren’t they trying to expand rather than contract?
Part of the reason for the expansion is to get as many kids in as possible. I don’t understand the question, “which kids are begin catered to?” All DP kids! Any kid who shows an aptitude and an interest in Engineering is welcome.
» wrote on 10/23/08 @ 06:32 PM
There are no fees now. As a parent of a MAD Academy student I am expected to raise $1500 a year for the program. There a couple of kids who receive scholarships, but those are paid for by other parents of MAD students.
Just becareful DP, you might not have to raise funds now, but in the future you will. You are already being asked to help raise money to expand facilities. What monies does the District have to upkeep the facilities? What monies do they have to run the program?
» wrote on 10/24/08 @ 05:36 PM
As with any specialty program the strength and the success of the program is dependent on the teacher. Specialty programs take special teachers. A program will not run itself. Cudos to the DP teacher behind this innovative program. (DP parents need to protect and support this talented teacher)
» wrote on 10/27/08 @ 08:03 AM
At the Oct 28th school board meeting, the board is expected to give the okay to a fundraising campaign for $1.2 million dollars for astro turf at Dos Pueblos. How brillant to pit educational facilities against sport facilitiesas they both work to squeeze dollars from the public! One has to wonder where the school board’s priorities lie. They seem to put education last. No wonder the achievment gap is really a chasm!