3D Printing and Pre-Engineering at Kent
January 28, 2016
Kent’s Pre-Engineering Program has undergone some serious improvements over the past several months. Most recently, Kent received a donation from Ben and Donna Rosen to fund the purchase of new 3D printers for the Pre-Engineering Center in town.
The new printers will join the engineering program in the next few days, as construction allowing for their installation is completed. The Digital Fabrication Laboratory in the Pre-Engineering Building will house 12 of the newest and most advanced 3D printers available, as well as two older models that Kent has had for some time now.
According to Father Schell, Mr. Rosen is “the founder of Compaq computer, and also chairman of the board of trustees at Cal Tech,” and “a very prominent person in the world of technology.” Additionally, he is one of the founders of Kent Presents, the summer seminar program that takes place on campus.
Father Schell noted, “Mr. Rosen wanted us to have a full complement of the newest 3D printers. I can’t imagine that there is a school of our kind with our technical support. This is unprecedented for high schools.”
Beyond the receipt of these new printers, the Pre-Engineering program has recently been renamed and expanded off campus, into the more spacious building in town.
Dr. Nadire explained how much the “Pre-College Engineering Program” has grown over the past three years, from Kent’s week long SEEK programs after Prize Day to the new space in town, home to multiple classes and activities throughout the school year. The program has expanded into three of the building’s four wings, accommodating the recent addition of the printers as well as a prototyping area, conference room, snack bar, robotics arena, and tool shop.
Curriculum ranges from structures to robotics and is continuing to grow in class size and studies. Dr. Nadire believes, “we should be ready to support an AP Engineering course in the next 2 years.”
While these improvements and expansions are exciting for current students, Father Schell notes, “the improvements to the engineering building are just the beginning.” He further explained, “We are putting a lot of time and money into developing the Pre-E program because it is essential to a 21st century education.” Anyone who has questions or interest in the program should contact Dr. Nadire or Ms. Hobeika to learn more.
