Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) recently launched a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Honors Program for students in ninth through twelfth grades with a vision of advancing an interdisciplinary program of study where science, technology, engineering and math academic courses are blended with real-world practical applications in a challenging and rigorous manner.

One of the goals of PCA's STEM Honors Program is that PCA students gain awareness of career opportunities in order to inspire and kindle in students a desire and passion to pursue knowledge and careers in these STEM fields of study.  On Friday, Nov.14, 2014, a group of more than 50 students and chaperones boarded a bus and headed to Texas Instruments’ Kilby Lab Dallas. Kilby Labs (named after Jack Kilby, the man who invented the microprocessor and a Nobel prize winner for his work) are innovation centers focused on delivering breakthrough technology. The 14,000 square foot Dallas lab is a space where small teams of engineers from across various disciplines work together to submit ideas for innovation projects.  The lab serves an “innovation engine” for Texas Instruments (TI) helping ensure that TI retains a leadership position in the semiconductor industry.

PCA STEM Honors students had the pleasure of hearing from TI engineers about their paths to their careers.  The engineers shared about the innovative projects on which they are currently working and the processes to transform and deliver an idea into something real and tangible.  The students took a tour of the lab as engineers worked on their projects and watched as several products were demonstrated.  PCA students found the time in the TI lab quite exciting and enjoyed seeing a real engineering/technology lab in action.  The engineers encouraged the students to work hard in high school and college stating that it will pay off in the future by allowing them to have careers in a field and at companies at which they enjoy working every day.

PCA strives to prepare students who will use their STEM knowledge to design, create and manage things in our world.  When they do this in a way that honors God, they will glorify God and bring benefit to themselves and others.

Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano has more than 1,600 students enrolled in Pre-K3 through twelfth grade. The Christian school focuses on the education, training and overall formation of a child’s heart and mind. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year. Interested families are invited to take a Thursday tour. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information!

About Prestonwood Christian Academy

The mission of Prestonwood Christian Academy is to assist Christian parents by helping equip students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence and model Christ-like leadership to influence their homes, churches and communities for Christ. Now the largest Pre-K through twelfth grade private school in the Metroplex with more than 1,600 students, PCA is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church, located in Plano, Texas. The school also has a campus serving more than 60 students in Pre-K3 through fourth grade in Prosper, TX, and a Virtual Academy at www.pcaplus.org.