Computer Design and Engineering Academy (CDE)
Are you interested in rewarding high paying careers such as Engineering? Design? Architecture? Computers? Automotive? Working with your hands to create things?
Want to learn more about colleges? Make cool things? How to write a resume and apply for jobs? Interview skills? Networking? Career exploration? Leadership? Make new friends with similar interests?
Look no further than the Computer Design and Engineering academy (CDE)!
What we do:
Foothill High School’s CDE Academy is a school-within-a-school approach to education partnered and well-funded by the State of California. The CDE program is designed to well prepare high school students for college entrance as well as prepare them for entry-level positions in a technologically-oriented society or an entrepreneurial experience upon high school completion. This is an exciting 3-year course of study pathway.
Who is eligible:
All 9th-12th grade students who have a genuine interest in the fields of computers, design, fabrication, engineering, architecture, 3D printing, CNC, automotive, or just generally interested in a hands-on approach to education to prepare for college and career are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a college-preparatory curriculum and will satisfy the CSU/UC A-G requirements. The program also prepares students and guides them to alternative options besides college upon completion of high school.
Is this program “More Difficult” or “More work”?
This is an academically challenging program yet it is no more rigorous or demanding than a regular college prep course of study. In addition to the basic high school requirements, the CDE program focuses and demands an elective schedule of focused computer technology coursework such as Computer aided design (CAD), 3D printing, architecture, model creation, and basic fabrication machine programming (CNC). These are all high-paying, lucrative career options once students out of high school and college. Students will meet their A-G requirements, earn hands-on experience using industry recognized design software and equipment, and have instructors with industry experience. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in campus activities, attend several CSU/UC college visits/tours each year, industry field trips to local partnership firms to see possible future jobs in person, mentorship by industry experts, internship opportunities, work experience, and see first hand what the world is like after high school. Students will also have the opportunity to take dual-enrolled courses, earning high school AND college credit at the same time, with NO additional cost!
Is there a cost to be in the program?
There is NO cost to be in the program. The state of California pays the costs of this program via well-funded grants for the Academy to maintain it’s operations. This grant is spent on each student in the academy to attend field trips, purchase supplies, activities, transportation, and new educational equipment.
Requirements to be in the CDE Academy:
- Maintain a GPA above 2.0
- Maintain a positive citizenship/image on campus
- Maintain the pathway to A-G completion
- Attend 2 yearly CDE Meetings (Bring your lunch)
- A positive attitude
*This academy is open to all eligible Foothill High School students and will not allow unlawful discrimination as described in federal and state laws.
Contact Info:
Academy Director: [email protected]
Academy Counselor: