{"id":295,"date":"2022-04-18T08:42:04","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T12:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ccpssandbox.ccpsnet.net\/elementary-template\/specialty-center\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T21:02:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T01:02:06","slug":"specialty-center","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oneccps.torxdev.com\/bhs\/specialty-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Specialty Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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News & Announcements<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSpecialty Center Open House Events\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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About our Program<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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While attending the Governor\u2019s Academy for Engineering Studies, students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of engineering fields. Students will be challenged by a rigorous academic curriculum that will prepare them for college. We utilize project based learning and modern technology to prepare the students for tomorrow\u2019s challenges.<\/p>

What is Engineering?<\/strong><\/p>

Engineering is a field that requires math, science, art, and creativity to create something useful. It\u2019s based around solving future challenges, such as creating new and renewable energy sources, building infrastructure, solving environmental issues, and countless other things.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact us\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSpecialty Center Coordinator: Kathryn Clarke\nEmail: kathryn_clarke@ccpsnet.net\nOffice: 804-768-6110, ext. 3064\nFax: 804-768-6117\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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History<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Virginia Governor\u2019s Academy for Engineering Studies began in March 1999 when Principal Joe Tylus of Lloyd C. Bird High School formed a steering committee to plan the program. The committee aimed to answer why young people should pursue engineering and what kind of curriculum would attract them. Over several months, they created a mission and a course of study designed to help students explore various engineering fields while mastering core skills for further education.<\/p>

The Pre-Engineering Specialty Center officially launched in fall 2000, led by its first director, Mrs. Robin Malone. The initial cohort consisted of 32 freshmen, who set a strong example for enthusiasm and hard work. Enrollment increased each year, with 42 freshmen joining the next year.<\/p>

In 2004, Mrs. Beth Teigen, a founding math teacher in the program, became the center director. The program continued to grow, with over 50 freshmen enrolling annually. Mrs. Teigen was promoted to Assistant Principal in 2005, and Mrs. Nancy Hoover, another original teacher, took over as director.<\/p>

In July 2012, Mr. Bob Benway became director, bringing valuable experience and energy to the program.\u00a0<\/p>

In August 2018, Dr. Nancy Hoover returned to the school as Academy Coordinator, helping the program smoothly navigate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>

In summer 2021, Mrs. Kathryn Clarke, an alumna of L.C. Bird and former chemistry teacher, became the program\u2019s permanent leader. She balances positivity, organization, and accountability, and brings a relatable approach as both a parent and teacher. As the freshman engineering instructor, she focuses on providing foundational knowledge essential for students\u2019 future studies. Additionally, Mrs. Clarke prioritizes exposing students to career opportunities through hands-on, work-based learning experiences and reinforcing soft\u00a0skills that\u00a0will set\u00a0program students above the rest in the real-world.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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