In most high school computer labs, “hardware” is something students plug in; it is rarely something they actually build or repair. This innovative teacher grant project, led by Damien Hays, Eisenhower High School Computer Science Teacher, breaks the mold by introducing a high-level technical skill usually reserved for trade schools or university engineering labs: Precision Soldering.
By integrating soldering stations into our IT Essentials pathway, Mr. Hays is shifting the curriculum from software-heavy concepts to true hardware mastery. “While our program already covers theoretical concepts such as circuitry, hardware installation, and device maintenance, this addition provides a practical experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application,” shares Mr. Hays.
In today's IT world, there is a significant disconnect between understanding how a computer works and knowing how to fix one. By providing professional-grade soldering stations and practice kits, this grant allows students to master employable skills before they ever leave the walls of EHS. Senior student Jamie Duty gives us a glimpse into his class, “The first project we got to do with our new soldering kits involved connecting a chip to a board to provide power, eventually, this will be a working microphone.”
This hands-on experience doesn’t just prepare students for potential future certifications like CompTIA A+, it builds a “technical confidence” that translates to everyday life. Jamie notes, “I’m a car enthusiast, so soldering will be a useful tool for me in everyday work on my car. It’s not just a career pathway; it’s a life skill.”
This Innovative Teacher Grant helps ensure students aren’t just consumers of technology, but the creators and repairers who will maintain the IT infrastructures of tomorrow.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Hays for his dedication to providing a high-level, ‘hands-on’ environment that bridges the gap between classroom and career field. The support from the Goddard Education Foundation has allowed the EHS Computer Science program to grow and given students, like Jamie, the vital tools needed for the future. Thank you for empowering Eisenhower students to become the creators, repairers, and innovators of tomorrow.