The BUILD Program

The BUILD program is a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave experience that includes collecting requirements, designing and building an engineering model, testing and improving that model, designing and building a prototype, perfecting the prototype for manufacture, and carrying it through real manufacturing processes to create a first article using both domestic and overseas manufacturing. These experiences run parallel to and in conjunction with students’ regular academic studies. Skills like holding design reviews, communicating with non-engineers, and understanding the entire production process to avoid unrealistic manufacturing demands are substantial gaps in engineering education identified by industry. Closing these gaps requires a novel learning environment to supplement traditional undergraduate programs. University departments excel in many areas, and we do not want to break or change those. But these gaps need to be filled if the US wants a world-class 21st century engineering community.

Summary: What’s in this for you?

Trite as it sounds, the BUILD program creates full performance engineers by giving you real world experience in harmony with the academic experience. Upon graduation, you will be fully contributing on engineering teams.