Career and Technical Education
Our team's primary objectives were to create a user-friendly website with seamless responsibility, captivating graphics, thoughtful commentary, and an overall professional feel. With user experience at the forefront of our website's design, we have created a responsive framework by implementing JavaScript to remain optimal for every conceivable screen size and connection quality. We did not use any style templates or predefined themes, but we did use HTML, CSS, JS, PHP, and modified uncopyrighted frameworks from Bootstrap. Moreover, our team utilized media (images and videos) produced by our team, under a creative commons license for educational purposes (meaning that every image on the design brief website does not require citation), or cited in MLA format below.
Participating in the Webmaster event has allowed team members to consider possible future career paths in computer science, such as website technicians, software and site designers, and front-end and back-end programmers. This also has introduced many members of our group not familiar with computer science to the topic as a whole and may very well prompt them to pursue further programming in other industry-standard languages such as Python, Java, PHP, and C++. For more senior members on our team with leadership experience, website design has taught valuable skills in technology team leadership, how to lead a team of skilled individuals around a significant programming project.
The webmaster has also given members without skills in computer programming a chance to showcase and utilize their expertise in other computer applications such as Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator. Members working with these programs have now gained valuable experience and a portfolio of work that they can utilize on future projects and secure future employment. Others have had an opportunity to practice and refine their writing and content production skills. These members have learned valuable skills in producing written content in a team setting while maintaining a mid-tone and voice in writing. These skills will allow for future career opportunities in content creation. They will again leave members focused on writing with a portfolio of work showcased to potential prospective employers.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation Lab (iLab)
The Innovation Lab (iLab) is a space where students have the opportunity to explore STEM concepts with activities that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Equipped with 12 3D printers, 3 sewing machines, 2 drill presses, 3 laser engravers, as well as various other tools, students have access to state-of-the-art materials and resources. Starting in Lower School and continuing throughout Upper School, teachers work together with Innovation Specialists to bring students into the iLab for hands-on learning experiences and projects. Additionally, various competition teams including TSA and robotics utilize the iLab to work on their respective projects.
Edge Think Tank
"Entrepreneurship Dedicated to Global Engagement", commonly known as EDGE, is a room home to our school's entrepreneurship program. EDGE was designed with student input as a space for collaboration. Some of the features of the space include floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, multiple collaborative stations, computers tailored for computer assisted design (CAD), modular furniture, and various accessories to facilitate students’ creativity. These resources help students brainstorm and bring their ideas to life with all the materials they need at their fingertips. Beyond the space, EDGE programs promote the development of an entrepreneurial mindset in students as they are encouraged to develop their ideas in an environment where failure and risk-taking are encouraged and will ultimately lead to success.”
Innovation Lab
Edge Think Tank
Academic Competitions
In addition to the Technology Student Association (TSA), our school offers a variety of other academic competitions for students to get involved in on campus. Students are encouraged to try multiple competitions and showcase their unique skills.
American Computer Science League
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) hosts computer science and programming contests worldwide for students from kindergarten to high school. In last year alone, about 500 teams from the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia participated. ACSL offers multiple departments to provide appropriate assignments for students of different ages and abilities. Each season is split up into four contests that test students on the introductory computer science concepts, from numerical systems to Boolean algebra to digital electronics. At our school, students enrolled in AP Computer Science A and Post AP Data Structures both compete in the ACSL competition. Last year, the Computer Science A Students in the Intermediate Division and the Data Structures students in the Senior Division both qualified and competed in a final online competition.
DECA
DECA is an international student organization with over 225,000 members. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA’s programs and activities have constantly evolved as we use the latest technology and apply cutting edge educational research. Students participate in various individual and team competitions, learning key leadership skills such as goal setting, consensus building, and project management. Our school chapters boasts over 200 students and various accolades at the District, State, as well as International levels.
Diamond Challenge
“Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware created the Diamond Challenge to provide high school students from around the world with an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship by putting their ideas into action. The Diamond Challenge is a concept-based competition for new ventures. Students submit and pitch their ideas to compete for cash awards. These awards may be used to support their startup, support their social venture, or pursue a higher education.” As part of the social entrepreneurship course, students created feasible solutions to modern day challenges such as fresh water wastage from showers as well as a credit system for homeless people. Through this experience, students successfully created basic prototypes, in depth financial analysis, and pitched their ideas to current entrepreneurs and businesses men and women. Moreover, the class submitted five social innovation projects and all five of them advanced to the semifinal round in Philadelphia. There, students not only presented live to a panel of judges, but also received vital feedback on how to transfer their projects into sustainable businesses.
Student Television Network
The Student Television Network, commonly known as STN, is a non-profit international association of high school and middle school broadcast journalism, film, and multimedia programs. Conventions are hosted multiple times a year and allow students from all over the country to display their knowledge and expertise in broadcast journalism, film, and media. These contests are open to all middle school and high school affiliate members with a current membership. Judged by professionals from within the industry, every contest entry receives a detailed evaluation based on criteria set forth by the STN Educational Standards, as well as a personal comment from the judge. Our school sends many students to these conventions every year, with many students receiving various honors and awards for their work.