COMPTON – Compton Unified School District in conjunction with NAF and RTX to launch the opening of three new NAF Academies of Engineering on Sept. 20.
NAF, is a national education nonprofit that transforms the high school experience, and RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company are proud to expand on their investment in Compton students.
“This partnership between RTX, NAF and Compton Unified will impact students in the Compton Unified School District for generations,” said NAF CEO Lisa Dughi. “When school districts and employers work together to bring real-world opportunities to students of all backgrounds and capabilities, the results can truly be transformative. Over our 40-plus year history of NAF, we’ve helped to forge connections between school districts and local businesses, and acted as a catalyst to create curriculum and experiences that enable students to identify future jobs within their communities, map the plan for success by mastering skills they need to reach those careers, and develop a network with professionals. The power of the NAF network also allows businesses to shape the future workforce by transforming the learning environment to integrate STEM-infused curricula and work-based learning experiences that you’ve heard about already today.”
The new NAF Academies of Engineering will be housed at Centennial High School, Dominguez High School, and Compton High School, where nearly 200 students will participate in career-focused curricula focused in computer science, aerospace, and general engineering.
Compton Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley explained this partnership is an investment in the students. “Together we’re forging a path for our students’ success for 21st century learning, and a multitude of opportunities in engineering and STEM professions,” he said. “The NAF Engineering Academies at Centennial, Compton, and Dominguez are more than a program, they are a gateway to a world of possibilities by integrating a STEM-focused curriculum, cutting-edge technology, and real-world experiences. We’re equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape in the 21st century. Our students will have the chance to engage with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience and develop problem solving skills that are crucial in today’s competitive job market.
Board Trustee Micah Ali had what he calls a ‘phenomenal career in aerospace and defense” after working with Raytheon, now RTX, for over a decade.
“This partnership with NAF and RTX will enable our Compton Unified School District students to focus on engineering and science as a conduit for careers in the aerospace community. If they get a job in this industry, they will be doing more than just making money, they will be actually impacting our national security,” said Ali.
There will be a tremendous demand for new engineers in America over the next few years. In fact, roughly 90,000 new engineering jobs will be needed by 2031, with a focus on infrastructure development, renewable energy, oil and gas extraction, and robotics.
To help fill the workforce pipeline with diverse and skilled talent, NAF and RTX are committed to advancing equitable opportunities in STEM. Students from the Compton Unified School District will benefit from the new NAF academies, where they will have access to three engineering pathways with career-focused curricula, experiential learning such as workplace tours, resume writing, mock interviews and paid internships, and connections to industry professionals like engineers from the El Segundo-based RTX facility.
People of color and women are underrepresented in all engineering fields. The private-public partnership formed between RTX, NAF, and CUSD, helps address barriers faced by students who have been historically overlooked and under-invested in, by providing high-quality STEM curriculum that is relevant to the local job market; work-based learning and internships; and mentorship opportunities from local STEM professionals. The NAF Academies will offer students opportunities to earn Industry Based Certifications prior to graduation.
“Because of the support from NAF and RTX, our students will have access to opportunities they need to build a life of upward economic mobility and success,” said Centennial High School Principal Dr. Bobby Walker. “Today marks the beginning of an impactful journey for hundreds of high school students in our district. In the next four years, these students will develop new skills, make professional contacts, and be immersed in hands-on learning that will help them create a plan for their future and shape their career aspirations.”
The Compton Unified students know they have a unique opportunity ahead of them. “I am proud to be one of the first students in the NAF Academy of Engineering,” said Centennial High School ninth grader Ja’mya Johnson. “It will help me to discover more about myself and my future. I look forward to learning more about career opportunities, about teamwork, and collaboration and becoming more confident as I go through my high school experience. Even more, I am excited about the speakers who will come to my class, the different companies I may have a chance to visit, and the mentors I will find and already have set my sights on meeting.”