Are you a high school student with a passion for building, design, and innovation? Walker Career Center offers a suite of comprehensive programs designed to launch your career in engineering and architectural design. These programs provide a strong foundation in the principles of design, drafting, and building information modeling, while also offering the incredible opportunity to earn dual college credit. Dive into the exciting world of engineering and architecture with Walker Career Center Programs and take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful future.
Explore the DC Introduction to Engineering Design Program
The DC Introduction to Engineering Design program is your entry point into the fascinating field of engineering. Specifically crafted for 9th and 10th graders, this foundational course requires no prior experience and serves as the stepping stone for more advanced studies in design and engineering. Over two semesters, you’ll immerse yourself in the engineering design process, learning essential problem-solving skills and creative thinking techniques that are fundamental to all engineering disciplines. This course not only counts as directed elective or elective credit for all diplomas but also offers a significant head start with 6 dual credits from Ivy Tech, providing a valuable advantage as you pursue higher education.
Alt text: High school students collaboratively working on a complex engineering design project at Walker Career Center, showcasing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Advance Your Skills with DC Mechanical and Architectural Design
Building upon the introductory course, DC Mechanical and Architectural Design is designed for students in grades 10-12 who are ready to delve deeper into the specifics of design. A prerequisite of Introduction to Engineering Design ensures you have the necessary groundwork to succeed in this more specialized program. This two-semester course provides a comprehensive understanding of creating detailed working drawings crucial for manufacturing and assembly processes. Simultaneously, you’ll embark on a captivating survey of architectural design, exploring the creative and technical aspects of building design. Like the introductory course, this program offers 6 dual credits through Ivy Tech and fulfills directed elective or elective requirements, making it a strategically valuable choice for your academic and career trajectory.
Alt text: High school student utilizing professional architectural design software to create detailed building plans in the Mechanical and Architectural Design program at Walker Career Center.
Master Building Information Modeling with DC BIM Architecture
For students in grades 11 and 12 seeking to be at the forefront of architectural technology, DC BIM Architecture is the ideal program. This course introduces you to Building Information Modeling (BIM), a revolutionary 3D model-based process transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. With a co-requisite of Mechanical and Architectural Design alongside the prerequisite of Introduction to Engineering Design, this program ensures you possess a solid understanding of design principles before tackling BIM. You will gain hands-on experience with intelligent 3D modeling tools used by industry professionals to plan, design, and construct buildings with greater efficiency and precision. Earning 3 dual credits from Ivy Tech, this course also qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course and counts towards directed elective or elective credits, further enhancing your college applications and future career prospects in the rapidly evolving AEC sector.
Alt text: Detailed 3D Building Information Model (BIM) showcasing the intricate design and planning capabilities learned in the BIM Architecture program at Walker Career Center.
Culminate Your Expertise with Architectural Design Capstone
The Architectural Design Capstone program represents the pinnacle of architectural studies at Walker Career Center. Open to motivated 11th and 12th graders with instructor approval and prerequisites in Introduction to Engineering Design, Mechanical and Architectural Design, and BIM Architecture, this capstone experience allows you to synthesize your accumulated knowledge and skills. Over two semesters, you will tackle complex architectural projects, planning and designing sophisticated structures, and presenting your innovative designs to a panel of evaluators. This rigorous program offers up to 6 dual credits and solidifies your portfolio with advanced projects, demonstrating your readiness for college-level architectural studies or entry into the professional field. Qualifying as a quantitative reasoning course and fulfilling directed elective or elective credits, the Architectural Design Capstone is your final step in showcasing mastery and passion for architectural design within the Walker Career Center programs.
Alt text: High school students confidently presenting their comprehensive Architectural Design Capstone project to a panel of evaluators at Walker Career Center, demonstrating their mastery of design principles and presentation skills.
Walker Career Center’s engineering and architectural design programs offer a unique and valuable pathway for high school students to explore their interests, develop in-demand skills, and gain a significant advantage in their future academic and professional pursuits. With dual credit opportunities from Ivy Tech and a curriculum designed to meet industry standards, these programs are an excellent choice for students serious about careers in these exciting fields.
