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Exploring Engineering Through CTE: Jewel Finds Her Path in Robotics

  • College and Career
Exploring Engineering Through CTE: Jewel Finds Her Path in Robotics

As a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School, Jewel is already deep into discovering her passion for engineering—thanks to the Career & Technical Education (CTE) STEM Program of Study, one of the six CTE programs offered at the Federal Way Public Schools comprehensive high schools.

Her interest in robotics began years before high school in elementary school and grew stronger through her middle school experience at Evergreen Middle School. Growing up, she often tagged along with her brothers to their robotics team meetings. “I would see how they worked together, and I really wanted to experience that myself,” she said. So, when she arrived at TJHS as a freshman, she didn’t hesitate: engineering was the very first elective she chose.

Jewel, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson HS, during a Principles of Engineering and Robotics class.

That choice quickly paid off. Through hands‑on, project‑based learning in the Engineering pathway, Jewel began building the skills and confidence she’d been eager to explore. She learned CAD software in her first year and now uses it extensively on the Robotics Team. “I do most of the design for the robot,” she explained. “We measure the parts, sketch them in Fusion, and shape out what needs to be there so the robot can do its job.”

This year, in Principles of Engineering and Robotics with teacher Shawn Timulak, she’s learning how circuits, mechanisms, and physics come together—knowledge she immediately applies in Robotics Team projects. One recent challenge required the team to design a robot that sorts colored balls using sensors, motors, and custom mechanisms. “It’s fascinating to see all these systems come together to create something,” she said. “Seeing it actually work is the most satisfying part.”

Opportunities like these are exactly why Jewel feels supported in exploring her future. CTE programs, counseling, and school events—like career fairs and High School Planning Nights—show her the pathways available in STEM fields. She plans to pursue Running Start next year and eventually study mechanical engineering, with hopes of moving into biomedical engineering after graduation.

For Jewel, CTE is more than a set of classes—it’s a community where creativity and curiosity thrive. “Engineering isn’t something you go into with a closed mind,” she said. “Here, you’re encouraged to try things, be creative, and see different perspectives. Robotics has been the best engineering experience at the school.”

And with two more years of high school ahead, Jewel is just getting started. “I’m not a captain (of the robotics team) yet, but my mentors do know I’m very passionate about robotics and engineering in general.” 

Principles of Engineering and Robotics, along with Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering Design & Development, are some of the courses in the STEM Program of Study offered at our comprehensive high schools. 

Learn more about the six programs of study at www.fwps.org/CTE

Two students in the Principles of Engineering and Robotics course at Thomas Jefferson HS. Jan 2026

 

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