Academy of Engineering

Preparing the next generation of leaders.

Career Pathways / Academy of Engineering

The Future of Engineering

Our NAF Academies of Engineering fuel the aspirations of students by enabling them to learn about the various fields and gain the skills needed to have a leg up. Through practical application, the next generation will be primed to lead. Over 13,000 students currently enrolled in 85 NAF Academies of Engineering across 18 states benefit from the NAF Approach to future ready learning!

Our Approach

The NAF Approach is simple. Our Academies of Engineering are small learning communities within high schools or districts that support students in igniting their aspirations, growing professional and industry skills, and connecting with industry experts through career-focused curricula and work-based learning:

Career-Connected Curricula

The NAF Academy of Engineering curricula explores principles of engineering and provides content in the fields of electronics, biotech, aerospace, civil engineering, and architecture. NAF’s engineering academies implement third-party curricula, by Project Lead the Way, STEM 101, Paxton/Patterson, and Intelitek.

Learn more

Work-Based Learning

Students build future ready skills and social capital to fuel their aspirations through experiences such as the Future Ready Engineers internships, robotics competitions, mentorship programs, worksite tours, and more while connecting with industry professionals to make informed choices and be successful in their future careers.

Learn more

Our Impact

12,506

Students in 89 Academies

99%

of Seniors Graduated

87%

Plan to Go to College

Learn more

Industry Need

Our career pathways support growing industries and the needs of the local community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*, overall employment in architecture and engineering occupations is projected grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, adding about 195,000 new jobs each year. Those with an engineering degree can expect a median annual wage of $100K. Most anticipated job growth will be in infrastructure development, renewable energy, oil and gas extraction, and robotics.

1.9M

New Jobs By 2033*

$100K

Median Annual Wage*

Stories from our NAF Academies of Engineering

Eduardo Ramirez credits his NAF Academy of Engineering experience with opening the door to a career he’d dreamed about since childhood. From a high school internship at an environmental firm to graduating from Colorado School of Mines, his path shows what’s possible.

David Williams is turning his NAF Academy of Engineering classroom at Friendship Collegiate Academy into a launchpad for future innovators. From earning college credits to pursuing drone pilot licenses and competing in national robotics championships, his students are building real-world skills that open doors.