While attending the Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies, students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of engineering fields. Students will be challenged by a rigorous academic curriculum that will prepare them for college. We utilize project based learning and modern technology to prepare the students for tomorrow’s challenges.

What is Engineering?

Engineering is a field that requires math, science, art, and creativity to create something useful. It’s based around solving future challenges, such as creating new and renewable energy sources, building infrastructure, solving environmental issues, and countless other things.

In March of 1999, under the leadership of Mr. Joe Tylus, Principal of Lloyd C. Bird High School, a steering committee convened to start the planning of what today is known as the Virginia Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies. The committee started with some essential questions: Why should a young person want to be an engineer and what, in a course of studies, would attract a young person to engineering? Over the next several months, the committee developed a mission statement and a program of study designed to “allow students to explore a wide range of engineering fields while building on an understanding of the core skills necessary to further his/her education in engineering” (Steering Committee Workbook).

Mrs. Robin Malone was the first center director for the Pre-Engineering Specialty Center and, under her guidance and administration, the center recruited its first cohort of 32 freshmen who entered Lloyd C. Bird High School in the fall of 2000. The Class of 2004 blazed a trail for students who followed and set a standard for enthusiasm and hard work. The following year, 42 freshmen entered the program and the center saw an increase in enrollment every year thereafter.

Mrs. Beth Teigen, a mathematics teacher in the program since its beginning, became the center director in 2004. As the program grew, so did the number of applicants and entering freshmen. Each subsequent cohort grew until there were over 50 freshmen entering the program each year. Mrs. Teigen was promoted to Assistant Principal in the summer of 2005, and Mrs. Nancy Hoover assumed the director’s position. Mrs. Hoover, like both directors before her, had taught in the program since its beginning. By 2008, the program expanded to offer a 3-year pathway that would enable sophomores to join the engineering program. That same year, applications for the four-year program swelled to over 175 and the freshmen class expanded to include approximately 75 entering freshmen. The first graduating class of the Pre-Engineering Center graduated from college, many with engineering and science related degrees. In July of 2012, Mr. Bob Benway joined the Academy as director and has brought a great deal of experience and excitement for engineering with him.

In August 2018, Dr. Nancy Hoover returned to Bird as the Academy Coordinator.  Despite the pandemic and all of the challenges that came with it, Dr. Hoover’s expertise allowed for a smooth transition to the Engineering program’s new permanent leader, Mrs. Kathryn (Katy) Clarke, in the summer of 2021.  

Mrs. Clarke is an L. C. Bird graduate, former Bird and Appomattox Regional Governor’s School Chemistry teacher and provides the perfect balance of positivity, organization, and accountability to our program.  As a parent and teacher, she brings a relatable approach to the position and looks forward to affording every student in our program the opportunity to grow their hunger and interest in all things Engineering.

As of May 1, 2025, all Engineering Students a part of the Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies are expecte to earn a minimum of 25 work based learning and/or community service hours per year with an accumulation of 100 hours over four years. With the support of the Engineering Student Advisory Board, and L. C. Bird. Administration, we have devised a new expectation for all Engineering Students to promote citizenship and community.

Beginning with the Class of 2029, students will be required to achieve a minimum of 25 hours/year or an accumulation of 100 hours over 4 years. Beginning with the Class of 2026 and through C/O 2028, students will be encouraged to achieve a minimum of 25 hours/year. Students who turn in a properly completed hours log prior to the May 1 deadline each year to their engineering teacher (physical copy and virtual submission to google form), will receive a 100% summative grade. Students who do not achieve this, will not receive the grade. Beginning with the Class of 2029, students who do not achieve an accumulation of 100 hours during their time in the program, will not receive their Engineering Stole to be worn at graduation or Governor’s Academy designation on their diploma.

Valid E-Serve hours may fall into any of the three categories: work based learning, community service, or school-based service. Details and examples for each type of E-Serve hours can be found on the official E-Serve hours log found on the specialty center website.

Students in the Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies should graduate from the program as well-rounded civic leaders along with their engineering specific courseload. This new requirement will encourage our students to give back to their community, gain industry experience, and seek new ways to give-back.