Design & Entrepreneurship Program

    • Course Description

      This engaging program provides students the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of three dimensional design using cutting edge design software, hands-on building of prototypes of their designs in our state of the art MAKES lab, and the concepts of design thinking. Throughout the program students will meet entrepreneurs, network with industry professionals and collaborate with their peers to solve real world problems.

    • Prerequisites at the Time of Junior Year Enrollment

      Minimum of 7 core credits (1.5 must be English); on track to graduate

    • Credits & Certifications Offered

      High School Credit
      • 3 CTE Year One
      • 3 CTE Year Two

      Certifications
      • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – 10 hour Certification
      • S/P2 Safety Certification
      • Certiport

      *College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external       industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

    • How Will My Time Be Spent? 

      Program Year Classroom Time Lab Time
      CTE Year One 26%-50% 26%-50%
      CTE Year Two 26%-50% 26%-50%

    • Tech is Real World Learning

      Students in this program learn through the use of a variety of industry grade tools and equipment and texts. Their real world labs also require uniforms and personal protective equipment.

      Tools & Equipment

      • Personal protective equipment
      • Computers
      • Hand tools
      • Drawing tools
      • Razors and box cutters
      • Laser cutter
      • CNC plasma cutter
      • CNC router
      • Drill press
      • MIG welder
      • 3D printer

      Academic Materials

      • Software tutorials, video demonstrations and a variety of postsecondary level print publications, including: The Harvard Business Journal, The New York Times and Entrepreneur Magazine. 

      Uniform Requirements

      • Closed-toe, leather, slip-resistant work boots/shoes
      • Oxford style, collared, button down shirt
      • Denim or cotton long pants

    • Essential Skills Needed for Success

      Students learn the entry level skills necessary to prepare for post-secondary education and the highly competitive world of work. Traditionally, successful students have mastered the processing and/or physical skills listed below prior to enrollment.

      Core Essential Skills

      • Demonstrate inductive reasoning or the ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions. This includes being able to find a relationship among seemingly unrelated events

      • Demonstrate deductive reasoning or the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense

      • Come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem

      • Have knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and their applications

      • Communicate information effectively with peers and instructor; public speaking

      • Critical thinking: reading and analyzing text, articles, etc. at the postsecondary level

      • Grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects and quickly move hands together with arm, or move two hands together

      • Tolerant of fumes, dust, and loud noises

      • Able to stand for extended periods of time

      For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide.

    Program Information

    • Albie Mitchell

      Albie Mitchell
      Design & Entrepreneurship
      314.989.7578
      Send an Email


      Mr. Albie Mitchell is the Facilitator and Instructor of South Tech's MAKES program. Mr. Mitchell joined South Tech in 2016 and holds a BA in Studio Arts and a Master of Architecture from Washington University. He has been in a designer in St. Louis for over ten years. Mr. Mitchell has founded two design firms, and specializes in design thinking, prototyping, custom fabrication, and architectural interiors. Mr. Mitchell has been teaching for five years and has taught classes at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University.