The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) recently welcomed the Colorado School of Mines Formula SAE team for an inspiring visit that showcased the possibilities of pursuing an engineering degree, a college club, and hands-on experience with Formula-style race cars. Among the team members are William Schimberg, a Grandview High School alum, and Anderson Naff, an Eaglecrest High School alum. Both former students are a shining example of how CCIC programs can pave the way to success.
The Mines Formula SAE team designs, builds, and races high-performance cars, blending mechanical engineering principles with real-world applications. For Schimberg, now pursuing a mechanical engineering degree with an automotive focus, the visit was a homecoming that underscored the transformative power of hands-on learning.
“It feels great to be back and say, ‘I learned from my mistakes, and these are some options and paths you can take,’” said Schimberg. “Whether you’re headed for college or industry, there are opportunities for everyone.”
The visit emphasized the seamless integration of hands-on expertise and classroom learning, a hallmark of CCIC’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and pathways at CCIC.
“The biggest impact for me is realizing there are a thousand different ways to get where you want to go,” Schimberg shared. “CCIC gave me hands-on expertise, which translated into better classroom understanding and vice versa. It helped me see that there isn’t just one good path to achieve your goals.”
For Brian Manley, CCIC’s Automotive Pathway Lead, the visit was a testament to the potential pathways CCIC can open for students. The Mines team’s presence brought engineering to life for CCIC students, offering a tangible glimpse into their future.
“Peer-to-peer interaction is incredibly impactful,” Manley added. “Seeing a Grandview alum who’s only two years graduated, working with a team of freshmen barely older than them, makes it real. You can show slideshows, but nothing beats one-on-one engagement with someone who has been in their shoes.”
Schimberg’s journey, which included winning state and national SkillsUSA competitions, demonstrates the profound influence of CTE programs.
“This is his jam,” said Manley, reflecting on Schimberg’s passion for cars, speed, and engineering. “He’s in his element, pushing himself and thriving.”
The visit marked the first collaboration between CCIC and the School of Mines Formula SAE team, with exciting possibilities for future engagement. The team’s emphasis on teamwork, problem-solving, and applied science mirrors the values CCIC instills in its students.
“This visit reinforces what we hope for with CTE and CCIC,” Manley said. “It’s heartwarming to see students not only envisioning their future but actively taking steps to make it happen.”
Schimberg summed up the experience perfectly: “The hands-on part doesn’t end in high school. It’s what helps you stand out in college, in the industry, or wherever your path leads. CCIC showed me the way, and now I’m here to show others they can do it too.”
With visits like these, CCIC continues to bridge the gap between education and industry, empowering students to dream big and achieve even bigger.
Posted on 11/20/2024.
