Most high schools all around the state are teaching their students the basic curriculum that’ll just get them across the stage for graduation. But, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber in Philadelphia, some teachers in the Career and Technical Education program (CTE), are preparing their students for so much more than just graduation. Maximillian Lawrence, Educator and Director of the Engineering Program at the school, every year, chooses students who applied and have interests in engineering enter this 3-year program. The students in the program are learning skills such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer-aided design, programming, and more on top of their regular college prep schedules. Unfortunately, not all students make it through the program, but will be able to earn college credit if they do. All CTE students will have to take the NOCTI exam, a standardized test assessing students participating in career and technical programs, at the end of the three years. “Our driving goal is excellence , based on the greek concept of Arete. Be excellent at anything and everything you do.” said Maximillian Lawerence.
It is a necessity that we have more programs like the CTE program and funding for these programs, especially for schools in Philadelphia. Not only does this program allow the students to earn college credit, but this program gives students a chance to learn skills even adults are struggling to learn.
Maximillian Lawrence, Educator and Director of the Engineering Program, directing the students, in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 24, 2020. The students are working on stage sets for the school’s upcoming play. 
Maximillian Lawrence, Educator and Director of the Engineering Program, demonstrating to the students at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 24, 2020. The students are working on stage sets for the school’s upcoming play. 
Maximillian Lawrence, Educator and Director of the Engineering Program, working with the students at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 24, 2020. The students are working on stage sets for the school’s upcoming play. 
Students working with the table saw at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 24, 2020. The CTE students are working on a component of a stage set for the school’s upcoming play. 
Gianna Handschin, 18, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student Manager, cutting a piece of wood with a chop saw at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 18, 2020. Gianna is demonstrating how to properly use the chop saw. 
Students, Justina Thompson, 17, and Anthony Islam, 17, are planning in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 18, 2020. They are working on a component of a stage set the Career and Technical Education program was asked to build for the school’s upcoming play. 
Students, Justina Thompson, 17, and Anthony Islam, 17, are planning in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 18, 2020. They are working on a component of a stage set the Career and Technical Education program was asked to build for the school’s upcoming play. 
Students, Nathaniel Baker 16, and Totiona Long 15, are measuring wood in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 21, 2020. They are working on their part of the annual Rube Goldberg project. 
Student, Kasim Davers, 16, is using the belt sander in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 21, 2020. Kasim is working on his Rube Goldberg project. 
Student, Kasim Davers, 16, is using the belt sander in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 21, 2020. Kasim is working on his Rube Goldberg project. 
Students working on laptops at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 21, 2020. They are working on their Rube Goldberg project. 
Student, Mariatu Fayia, 16, is measuring wood in the maker space, at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Philadelphia, PA on February 21, 2020. She is working on her Rube Goldberg project. 
A portrait of the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber’s core values.