About the program

The Orange Engineering Design Academy (OEDA) is an immersive, engineering program at Orange High School designed to transform students from passive learners into innovative problem-solvers. Using the nationally recognized Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum, the academy focuses on interdisciplinary, problem-based learning that mirrors the challenges found in the professional engineering world. Students progress through honors and AP-level courses—such as Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering—where they master technical sketching, 3D modeling software, and the iterative design process. This rigorous academic foundation is balanced with hands-on projects, giving students a head start on college-level concepts while building essential skills in collaboration and critical thinking.

Beyond the classroom, OEDA provides unique experiential opportunities that bridge the gap between high school and a future career. A cornerstone of the program is the 144 Engineering Experience Hours, allowing students to gain real-world professional experience throughout their academic career. Students also benefit from job shadowing, industry guest speakers, and participation in competitive teams like Robotics and eSports. By integrating high-level academics with direct industry exposure, the academy prepares students not only for success in engineering and technology degrees but also for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving global workforce.