From building rockets and circuit boards to designing bridges and 3-D prototypes, students at Pickens Tech can get a "head start" on college through the center's Pre-Engineering Program. The two-semester program prepares students for the math, science and technical skills they will need to succeed in a typical college-level engineering program.

Because technology is a large part of everyone's lives, Pickens Tech Pre-Engineering teacher Mike Crane feels that preparing students to design and create tomorrow's gadgets is extremely important.

The first semester of the program introduces students to the math and science required in a variety of engineering disciplines, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and computer science. Students also use 3-D modeling software to communicate the details of the products in words and pictures.  They focus on analyzing potential solutions to engineering problems, and communicating their ideas to others.