Fountain Inn High School’s Institute of Automation and Engineering combines essential technology with instruction
The new Fountain Inn High School is bringing an advanced manufacturing and engineering program to the Upstate. The school’s Institute of Automation and Engineering will house essential technology for students to complete STEM-related program pathways during their high school years.
Executive director of Greenville County Schools career tech education, Eric Williams, said there is a major stereotype around manufacturing jobs around the Upstate. He wants to show students this specific path can make a solid career.
“There is a need for a workforce pipeline of students and for a lot of reasons we haven’t met that need,” Williams said. “But, we want to kind of knock down some of the walls and show students that automation and engineering can be an incredibly productive and viable career field.”
Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of courses and pathways including pre-engineering, integrated production, mechatronics integrated technology and computer science. Technology such as 3D printers, CNC machinery and CAD software will allow students to learn hands-on alongside an advanced curriculum.
The institution will place focus on training students to be able to enter the workforce right out of high school. Offering specialized training to students will help meet the high demand for manufacturing and engineering jobs in the Upstate. After completing one of the topic pathways, students will have the skills necessary for industry certifications and better opportunities for higher education.
“I want my students to gain the ability to problem-solve and to be able to think outside the box. My students will own their learning, I am there to help guide and facilitate but they will take the lead.” – Teresa Curvin, mechatronics teacher
In the past, Greenville County students attended off-campus classes at career centers for this specialized STEM training. Williams said this particular program is unique to the Upstate since students will be attending courses and gaining advanced experience without having to leave their high school.
Williams has many goals for the Institute of Automation and Engineering including expanding the amount of opportunities for students through connections with more businesses.
“In 10 years I would anticipate that the school has more business and industry connections, more high-quality teachers that are passionate and [the school] will be full of students who are learning and getting opportunities to participate in real-world activities,” Williams said.
Introducing the Furies: Fountain Inn High School opens again after 50 years
Teresa Curvin, mechatronics teacher, is excited for the opportunity to build the program.
“It is a rare opportunity for teachers to be on the ground floor of starting up a new school,” Curvin said. “There are so many exciting possibilities building new programs and working with new staff.”
Curvin is prepared to teach her students more than just engineering knowledge. She hopes to teach them skills they will be able to utilize no matter where they end up.
“I want my students to gain the ability to problem solve and to be able to think outside the box,” Curvin said. “My students will own their learning, I am there to help guide and facilitate but they will take the lead.”
Fountain Inn’s Mayor, GP McLeer, is very excited for the high school to be back in Fountain Inn. He hopes the new institute will keep these students interested in staying in Fountain Inn and help the city’s businesses.
Related: Fountain Inn: Closer than you think
“We are surrounded by great small businesses as well as large businesses — industrial and manufacturers — all of whom have a need for a strong workforce,” McLeer said. “We think that not only will this help fill some of those jobs, but it also will help entice students to stay home when they graduate high school and continue to make Fountain Inn their home.”
In the future, McLeer hopes these students that graduate from Fountain Inn High School will be able to learn, lead and find a future right in their hometown.
“I want [students] to be able to have a great education, have a great job and have a great place to create a long legacy for them and their children,” McLeer said.
Gloss