Next year, Central Catholic will be debuting a new signature academic program: the Engineering Institute. Led by Engineering and Innovation Department teachers Mr. Salamacha and Mrs. Ball, this three-year program is designed to introduce students to the complex world of engineering.

The program features three courses. The first two – taken during the sophomore and junior year – is project-based and teaches students the basics of the engineering design process. Each course is centered around specific engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, and industrial engineering. The capstone course is taken during the senior year, in which students design, build, and present a major engineering project with the guidance of an industry mentor.

However, the Engineering Institute is so much more than just three classes. The program features guest lectures from college professors and industry professionals. This guest speaker series is coupled with site visits to local universities and companies in the greater Pittsburgh region.

The program saw tremendous interest in its first application cycle, accepting 32 students from 51 applications. With a 62% acceptance rate, the program is moderately selective. When assessing applicants, the selection committee was looking for students who demonstrated a willingness to take initiative, work collaboratively, and think independently.

Mr. Salamacha stressed that the Engineering Institute’s curriculum was created to stretch across disciplines, with an emphasis on ethical problem-solving and communication skills that all engineers need to be successful.

There is, understandably, a concern that the new Engineering Institute will sap potential students away from the Brother David S. Baginski, FSC Scholars Program. Students apply for the Engineering Institute in their freshman year, while the Scholars Program does not begin the application process until sophomore year.

Students already enrolled in the Engineering Institute may be dissuaded from joining the Scholars Program for fear of scheduling conflicts and the significant workload. Despite this, Mr. Salamacha remains hopeful that the two programs can work in tandem with one another.

As the Engineering Institute heads into its inaugural academic year, Mr. Salamacha is already excited to meet the new cohort: “I’m ready to see the same group of guys start sophomore year, learn and grow together, and complete a design project in their senior year which brings the entire experience together. More importantly, though, I’m excited to see how the Engineering Institute sparks a community amongst its students.”

The Viking wishes Mr. Salamacha and Mrs. Ball the best of luck as they guide the Engineering Institute into its first year!