Free engineering course being offered at Institute

By Denice Thibodeau

Published: May 21, 2008

High school juniors, seniors and adults interested in continuing their education can apply for a free engineering course being offered at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

According to the “Explorations in Engineering” course overview, it “introduces students to the world of engineering, including the role of engineers in modern society, an overview of the various fields of engineering, and modern methods used by engineers to solve problems and meet new challenges.”

Deborah Morehead, manager of communications and public relations at the Institute, said the class is being offered in cooperation with the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.

“It is free to high school juniors and seniors and all adult residents of Southside due to a general grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission,” Morehead said.

Students will, however, have to purchase their textbooks, which can be turned in to U.Va.’s bookstore for half credit at the end of the course.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays beginning Aug. 26 at the Institute, from 4:15 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. Nancy Combs, academic outreach program coordinator at the Institute, said the course will last until mid-December.

There also will be a mandatory training session at the Institute on Aug. 4.

There are other requirements to successfully complete the class — homework, team projects and computer work (which can be done at the Institute’s computer lab if students don’t have high-speed Internet access).

Students who complete the program and decide to pursue a career in engineering will have earned three credits toward an Associate of Science in Engineering degree from Danville Community College.

The deadline to apply for the class is June 5.

• Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.