Dwarfed by the massive William J. Samford Hall, an entourage from Bob Jones High School attended Engineering Day at Auburn University. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Kyle Cash, a sophomore at Bob Jones High School, summarized the intent and result of Engineering Day at Auburn University.

“I learned what it would be like to be a student at Auburn and what different engineering disciplines they offer degrees in,” Cash said. Cash was among 55 Bob Jones engineering students that Engineering Academy Director Jessye Gaines escorted for the long day of introductions to study, people and possibilities.

“The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering invites students considering a career in engineering to join them and feel the excitement of Alabama’s premier engineering educational experience,” Gaines said. “Auburn Engineering’s annual open house gives students a chance to learn about the campus, programs and incredible opportunities.”

Students in grades 7-12 can “chat one-on-one with students and faculty, experience interactive exhibits and visit classes and labs, including the new Shelby Center for Engineering Technology. They can also tour Auburn’s beautiful campus and learn about admissions, scholarships, financial aid and residence life.”

As a student of aerospace engineering at Auburn, Gaines served as a Cupola Engineering Ambassador for two years and as Director of Membership her senior year. As ambassador, she led tours; hosted alumni events and tailgates; assisted with BEST Robotics competitions, E-Day and PEAK Camp; and helped with recruiting and fundraising events. 

Any engineering student in grades 10-12 was welcome to attend Engineering Day.

Bob Jones sophomore Corbin Holland he learned “about the freedom that students have in a college setting to choose the specific field they’d like to study.” Another Bob Jones sophomore, Samuel Murray “learned more information about Auburn University and how it has a wide variety of engineering courses and disciplines.”

Gaines said Bob Jones is one of the largest feeder schools to collegiate engineering programs in Alabama. “The majority of students enrolled in the BJHS Engineering Academy have strong career aspirations to pursue engineering or STEM careers,” she said.

At Bob Jones, Gaines also sponsors PATRIOT Racing, National Technical Honor Society and Society of Women Engineers. During the 2016-2017 school year, 195 students are taking engineering classes at Bob Jones.