Construction companies, bid proposals, and project managers are not what come to mind when thinking of everyday school life. However, for the engineering design students of Dobie High School, these positions and tasks do not seem out of the ordinary.

With the help of Jacobs Engineering employees, the engineering design course, implemented last year at Dobie, has really taken off providing students with adequate tools to better their future and ample learning opportunities.

“Jacobs volunteered to form a partnership with our engineering class, and it has made all the difference in the world to its success,” said Dobie High School principal Steve Jamail.

Developed for upperclassmen interested in the field of engineering, the class has caught the attention of many, and the partnership has increased student interest, as well as set the standard for years to come.

“The class is open to juniors and seniors who may be interested in engineering as a career. It is a project-based class that, although isn’t always easy, we work hard to make rewarding,” said the class instructor Chris Ferguson.

Each week, the students fastened their hard hats and headed off to participate in construction inspections, punch list activities and specification reviews. Through the partnership, Jacobs employees have been able to combine class curriculum with real world experience.

“Jacobs has graciously provided ideas, speakers and real-world problems for the students to tackle,” Ferguson said. “Jacobs’ time is very important to the students’ understanding what exactly an engineer is and does.”

After weeks of practice and learning engineering skills and tactics, the students were challenged with a class competition.  Their task was to develop a bid proposal on a project that was actually being bid on by contractors on Dobie High School.  The students, divided into three “construction companies,” researched construction cost, called vendors and developed a bid proposal sheet.  Each group submitted their bid with a presentation as to why it should be accepted. 

“All of the students were graded on their level of participation, enthusiasm and team contributions,” Ferguson said.

“Evelyn’s Corporation,” the winning team, devoted much of their time to ensure the success of their proposal.  After hard work and several weeks of creating and planning, their dedication paid off when they were announced the winners of the project.

The winning corporation was recognized by the school district and Jacobs.  They received a certificate from Pasadena ISD and Jacobs as well as gift cards.  Ferguson said he could not be more pleased with the outcome of the project.

“I would like to thank Jacobs for taking the time and initiative to make a difference in the lives of our future engineers,” said Jamail.  “This partnership with Jacobs was perfect for our students to actually see what really goes on out there on the job.”