10. Our classroom: We have an incredible, light filled space that is set up just like a design studio. We have plenty of room for you to chase your creative passions.

09. Career pathways: Our program will expose you to many related careers like engineering, urban planning, interior design, and not to mention architecture and construction management.

08. Design Projects: You will explore your creativity and engage your analytical skills. We design and solve problems thru drawing & model building by hand and with the computer.

07. SkillsUSA: As a chapter of SkillsUSA you will have an opportunity to compete in occupationally related competitions and a chance to advance to the state or even national levels.

06. Technology: We utilize the same technology used by design professionals: from CAD and 3d Modeling to 3d Printing and virtual reality.

05. College Credit: You will earn college credits transferable anywhere after graduation for successfully completing the program.

04. Mentorship and Networking: You will engage with professionals on field trips and job shadowing. You will be mentored one-on-one by a professional for your senior project.

03. College Readiness: The curriculum, software, and critical thinking skills that you learn here will give you a leg up in college. 97% of our students go on to pursue a college degree.

02. Career Readiness: You will finish with a polished design portfolio and resume, not to mention the aptitude and confidence to speak with professionals and interview for a job.

01. Part of our ACM family: We support each other inside and outside of the classroom. Our program is over 20 years old and there are more than 300 of our graduates working in the career of their dreams; and they started just like you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time is the class?

A: Juniors meet from 9:32-11:08. Seniors meet from 7:35-9:11

Q: Can I still go to my home school?

A: Yes. You may take all of your classes here at Gahanna, or you may return to your home school to complete your classes. It is whatever you would prefer. You will still be a student and graduate from your home school.

Q: Can I still participate in my home school activities and sports?

A: Absolutely. And in fact, I encourage it. You are still a student of your home school and can participate in all of their activities and sports.

Q: Do I get college credit from the program?

A: Yes, as part of your time in this class, you will be dual-enrolled as a COTC student just as if you were a student on their campus, and provided you pass that portion of the class, you will earn college credit. These credits are transferable to any college that you should decide to attend after high school.

Q: What careers will this help me prepare for?

A: Primarily architecture, interior design, construction management, and urban design. It will also have applications for a career in engineering. You will use industry-standard CAD and 3d modeling software used by all of these careers. Additionally, you will have the chance to investigate the career of your choice during the last semester of your senior year during the senior capstone project.

Q: When can I apply?

A: Applications are online and available at the beginning of December at www.eastlandfairfield.com. There you will find further directions and deadlines for applying.

Q: Is there a bus to Clark Hall?

A: No. Unlike the career center programs, transportation is not provided from your home school to my classroom in Gahanna. You will be responsible for your own transportation.

Q: What are the application requirements?

A: First and foremost, I want students that are passionate about design and the built environment. Then we will evaluate students based on grades and attendance.

Q: Do I have to be good at drawing to enter the program?

A: No. Drawing is one of many skills used by students in the program. I will teach you how to draw. You will also be given the opportunity to explore expressing your ideas through physical and computer models.

Q: Can I still visit the program?

A: Sure, we would love to have you come back. Just get in touch with me and we can arrange a time for you to come sit-in on classes and test drive a day in the life of an ACM student.

Q: Will I get a job by enrolling in this program?

A: Depends. While the program is geared to prepare you for a college majoring in a career related to our program, there is the possibility that you could work in the industry. In fact, one of our students currently works at an engineering firm after school and it is common for graduates to secure paid internship positions working in the industry while attending college. The construction industry is white-hot at the moment, so if you want a job and chase it, it will be there.

Q: Is there any other reason for me to sign-up?

A: Good question. The PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING from the program is HUGE! We have been graduating students since 1999-- these same graduates are working or attending college all across the United State. Interested in a job in Los Angeles or New York? We have ACM graduates right now working in those cities. Want to stay close to home and work in Columbus? We have plenty of connections here locally as well. What's more, you will make your own connections while in the program through job shadowing and guest speakers. Lastly, you'll have the chance to work one-on-one for several months with a professional while you complete your senior project.

Q: Is this for real? How do I know you aren't bluffing?

A: Because I am a graduate of this program. I secured a job at a local architecture firm before receiving my high school diploma. I went on to earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture. This program helped set me on my career path and it means a great deal to me to be teaching the next generation of students.

Q: Wait, I have another question that you didn't answer.

A: No problem, please reach out to me and we can talk more:

Mr. McGee

614-342-0014

jmcgee@efcts.us

@acm_tech