Arlington Tech feels more like a Maker’s Studio than a high school. Everyone knows each other, the students are smiling, the classrooms are small, open and full of equipment: 3D printers, computer assisted design programs, video cameras, chemistry labs.

The Arlington Career Center (ACC) is home to Arlington Tech (Career Technical Education or CTE), a program focused on project-based learning. Arlington Tech integrates core subject content into projects. Students tie in electrical engineering concepts with math classes. According to ACC Principal Margaret Chung, it is the only school in Arlington that teaches cyber security, one of the fastest growing careers in the country.

Forty-three students started in its inaugural program. This is not about vocational training. As Chung said, “Jobs will go to those who know what they want, have a passion for what they do, and stay abreast of the current demand.” In one classroom there are eight 3D printers. These kids are printing out car parts for use down the hall in the automotive design course. In the collision repair classroom, students are working on a BMW — installing wall-to- wall TV screens throughout the car to make it one of a kind. When the students need some math done on the car, they walk down the hall to the robotics students. “In essence,” said Chung, “The whole building is the classroom. The symbiosis between students of differing talents and abilities makes each learn from the other, and also breaks down barriers of language, culture, and status.”

Outside, the students have installed a solar panel project for which they won an award. Career Center Electricity and Sustainable Tech students installed a Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal SunDrum Solar Harvest HP System on a house in Washington, D.C. Local solar energy expert, Albert Nunez of Capital Sun Group, hired and mentored six ACC students during the installation of this state-of-the-art hybrid solar powered system.

“The six students in the solar energy course hired by Capital Sun Group were able to move into the hot field of solar energy instead of going out onto the job market and ending up in one of the gangs that have transferred from South America to Virginia (and extract membership for construction jobs),” said Chung.

There are about 800 students who come to ACC from the comprehensive high schools and programs. They have a “home” high school, but take most courses at the ACC. Through dual enrolment they can also take courses at Northern Virginia Community College. In addition to these students, ACC has four full-time programs: Academic Academy, HILT (High Intensity Language Training) Institute, PEP (Program for Employment Preparedness), and Arlington Tech. The program for teen mothers has about 200 students. All core classes are offered, including physical education courses. The application process for Arlington Tech has a deadline of Jan. 31, 2017. There will be an ACC Open House on Jan. 7, 2017, from 9-11 a.m. Interested students and parents can visit the classrooms and talk with the instructors in Arlington Tech and explore CTE course offerings. On Jan. 9, 2017, 2-3 p.m., an Arlington Tech Info Session and Classroom Tours will be held, where parents of current students and Arlington Tech students and staff will share their experience of Arlington Tech and be available to answer any questions.