Promoting Manufacturing Engineering Technology Programs At The High School And Middle School Levels Using Cad

Overview In an earlier publication, the authors presented a set of ideas advocating the use of computeraided design (CAD) to inspire middle and high school students consider a career in engineering technology through study at a higher educational institution. The approach required the integration of CAD in selected school topics initially through teacher training, and subsequently extending new learning opportunities to students through their teachers. This paper complements the above-mentioned publication, describing new perspectives on the importance of advertising engineering technology programs at the middle and high school levels. The process of creation of a CAD-integrated lesson module that lends itself for high school instruction is discussed. Finally, the importance of a close collaboration between two and four year colleges in making it easier for community college students to pursue a Bachelor's degree program is considered using Northern Illinois University (NIU)'s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program as the model example.