Empowering Future Engineers

The Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET), a dual enrollment program housed at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), provides a comprehensive pathway for high school juniors and seniors from Danville Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Schools to explore careers in engineering and technology. In partnership with Danville Community College (DCC), this rigorous, two-year curriculum allows students to earn college credits, gain valuable skills and experience engineering possibilities.

Program Overview

AET aims to equip the next generation of engineers by giving our students a holistic view of both the exciting career opportunities available in engineering and technology and the rigors required of them to be successful in these programs at a college level.

Students enrolled in AET focus on fundamentals of analysis, design and processes, giving them the foundational skills necessary to complete, if desired, a bachelor’s degree in engineering upon completion of the program.

AET students spend half of their school day at IALR, benefiting from college-level instruction and experiential learning activities designed to prepare them for college and careers.

“The Academy for Engineering and Technology is designed to introduce students to engineering as a possible career path,” explains John Hatchett, Engineering Instructor and Program Coordinator. “We want students to experience what engineering truly entails, helping them determine if it’s the right path before committing fully in college.”

Rigorous Academic Curriculum

The two-year AET curriculum covers:

  • Engineering: Courses such as Foundations of Engineering, Engineering Design and Topics in Engineering help students build a strong base in problem-solving and teamwork. Students engage in hands-on projects utilizing advanced engineering software, 2D and 3D computer-aided design and iterative programming.
  • Mathematics: Students develop essential analytical skills through Precalculus with Trigonometry and Calculus I, foundational subjects critical for advanced engineering studies.
  • English: Courses including College Composition I & II, British Literature and World Literature enhance students’ abilities to communicate effectively, argue persuasively and analyze critically, skills highly sought after in any professional environment.

Students earn up to 32 college credits, providing a significant head start toward an engineering or technical degree.

VIEW THE CURRICULUM 

"As a high school student, the Academy for Engineering and Technology program gave me a kickstart to my career in STEAM. The program introduced me to concepts in mathematics, computer modeling, and communication skills that gave me an advantage as a college student and in my professional career as an…"
Tim Lasley, AIA / Dewberry, 2016 AET Graduate
"“I loved my time as a student at AET because of the hands-on learning that the program provides. Students are treated with respect and the staff is extremely attentive and helpful. This program provided a work-life balance that allowed me to continue an extensive list of extracurriculars and receive college…"
Grace Stowe / 2025 AET Graduate
""Our goal isn't just to produce engineers but to equip students with transferable skills that benefit them in any career. When our students find the right pathway for them, that’s success." "
John Hatchett / AET Instructor
""One of the biggest skills I took away from AET was learning how to ask questions and collaborate effectively. These skills placed me ahead of my peers in university and beyond." "
Shelita Hall / NASA Engineering Trainee, 2016 AET Graduate
""AET showed me the real-world applications of math and science, changing how I viewed engineering. It's been instrumental in my decision to pursue engineering as a career.""
Caleb Pearson / 2024 AET Graduate

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students in AET participate in various experiential learning activities focused on problem-solving, engineering and design. This project-based learning ensures that students understand engineering beyond theoretical concepts.

Whether it’s building a Rube Goldberg machine, designing a chair using a handful of balloons, or programming an Ardunio microcontroller robot to navigate an obstacle course, students build their ‘4Cs’ skills (critical thinking, cooperation, communication, and creativity) through hands on projects within the engineering curriculum. Projects like the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship allow students to collaborate with local businesses to solve actual problems. Each year, juniors in the program spend more than a month working with a business, learning about their challenge and using strategic problem-solving strategies to identify creative solutions.

Professional Faculty and Support

AET boasts highly qualified faculty who actively engage with students, professional organizations and local industries. The dedicated instructors, including John Hatchett (Engineering), James Minich (Mathematics) and Joe Birckhead (English), provide robust academic support, helping students achieve success during and beyond their AET experience.

John Hatchett, Engineering Instructor and Program Coordinator

John Hatchett is the Coordinator and Engineering Instructor for the Academy for Engineering and Technology. With over 20 years of experience, he is a motivated educator who challenges students to improve their problem-solving abilities and foster a love for life-long learning. His number one objective is to help students find the right “fit” for them going forward, regardless of the path they may choose.

Hatchett joined AET a year after its inception in 2013, after serving 8 years as a high school mathematics teacher and department head for Henry County and Franklin County Public Schools. He has since worked closely with AET stakeholders to continuously develop and modify the AET program to best benefit students.

He is a graduate of Virginia Tech with both a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and currently serves on the Gifted Advisory Committee for Henry County Public Schools.

James Minich, Mathematics Instructor

James Minich has been the mathematics instructor at AET since 2016, where he teaches dual enrollment PreCalculus and Calculus. Minich strives to create a rigorous, yet enjoyable learning experience for his students and prepare them for the next level (whether that be college, military, or the work force). As well as being the AET math instructor, Minich also teaches classes at Dan River High School. Overall, he has over twenty years experience teaching mathematics. Minich earned his undergraduate degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree from Averett University. 

Joe Birkhead, English Instructor

Joe Birckhead has served as the English instructor for The Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) since 2019. In this role, he teaches dual enrollment English courses that allow students to earn 12 credit hours of college level English while still in high school. As an adjunct professor with Danville Community classes, he teaches College Composition I and II (English 111 and English 112) to juniors and teaches British Literature (English 245) and World Literature (English 255) to seniors.

He graduated from Averett University with a BA in English/Journalism and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in English. Birckhead began his teaching career in 2005 at Dan River High School, and he has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. He also teaches English courses and serves as the yearbook advisor at Dan River High School.

Benefits and Outcomes

Participation in AET equips students with:

  • A solid foundation in engineering principles and technical skills.
  • College credits that seamlessly transfer to engineering programs.
  • Enhanced skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
  • Opportunities for paid internships in engineering and technology.
  • Leadership skills that are highly valued in the workforce.

Enrollment and Contact

Interested students and parents from Danville Public Schools or Pittsylvania County Schools should contact their school counselors or reach out directly to Dana Silicki, Director, STEM, Service, and Lifelong Learning

  • Email: Dana.Silicki@ialr.org
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