NBHS Students Excel in Fall Engineering Program

Author: Eric Nelson, NBHS Engineering and Manufacturing Teacher Academy Lead Teacher

During five Saturdays in October and November, New Britain High School MET Academy students participated in the National Science Foundation–funded CICSTART program (Careers in Computer Science Through Advanced Real-world Technology), held at Central Connecticut State University’s Innovation Hub. Running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each week, the program immersed students in hands-on engineering challenges designed to strengthen both technical and professional skills in a real-world environment.

CICSTART’s mission is to introduce underrepresented students to engineering, advanced manufacturing, and computer science pathways through rigorous, laboratory-based learning. Each morning session focused on teamwork, leadership, and personal introspection. Students examined the results of their DiSC behavioral assessments to better understand their communication styles, the “mask” they often present to others, and the different ways they can lead without changing who they are.

In the afternoons, MET Academy students rotated through modules in microprocessor programming, CAD modeling, engineering mathematics, problem-solving, and project-based communication.These sessions were led by Engineering Professor Eric Flynn, Manufacturing Professor Mehrdäd Fäézi and Engineering Adjunct Professor Andrew Angle,

The CICSTART team is organized and led by John Birch, Owner of The Birch Group, LLC, who has worked with New Britain High School students since the 2009–2010 school year. Mr. Birch has long provided students with 360° feedback evaluations, DiSC® behavior assessments, and emotional intelligence (EQ) training to help prepare them for the demands of modern STEM workplaces.

Reflecting on his continued collaboration with NBHS, he shared:

“Our CICSTART team has been working with Eric Nelson and his students from New Britain High School since 2009. The CICSTART Program is funded by the National Science Foundation with the mission of providing inner-city and under-represented students with an opportunity to learn social/employability skills necessary in today's modern workforce, as well as to have hands-on experiences in engineering and technology. What stands out to me is the student participants’ desire to reach their full untapped potential, a direct reflection of that school's faculty which our Team has come to admire. The Program's success in New Britain is because of the extra effort that the teachers are willing to provide the students.”

He continued:

“Whether we were discussing human behavior, emotional intelligence, teamwork, or hands-on technical skills, the enthusiasm of the New Britain students and their desire to learn has been contagious, making it a pleasure and fun to work with them, and a key reason for our Team's long-term relationship. I sincerely hope that the City of New Britain is proud of what their students have and will accomplish.”

“In summary, our Team is proud to have had the opportunity to help ensure that the New Britain students have the personal and technical skills that they will need to further their education and/or compete in today's hi-tech workforce.”

The long-standing partnership between CICSTART and New Britain High School continues to grow, supported by multiple grants and a shared belief in the potential of MET Academy students. Through programs like CICSTART, NBHS students gain early exposure to advanced technologies, engineering thinking, and the career pathways that will shape their futures.

Faculty participants included Engineering Professor Eric Flynn, who guided students through integrated activities that mirrored real engineering workflows. Professor Flynn emphasized the program’s powerful blend of college-level rigor and accessible, meaningful STEM experiences:

“The real strength of CICSTART is it allows college engineering faculty to take the time to demonstrate real-world challenges (and solutions) through directed student instruction. For example, we might program a microcontroller to solve a problem while simultaneously utilizing CAD software to visualize a physical prototype. The CICSTART program emphasizes how important teamwork is, while also focusing on the strength of individuality. The future of advanced manufacturing begins with the development of STEM skills as early as possible.”

Each Saturday, students strengthened their ability to collaborate, think critically, and take personal responsibility for their contributions; skills that are central to the MET Academy’s mission. Throughout the program, students built confidence not only in engineering concepts, but also in communication, leadership, and professionalism.

Eric Nelson, the lead teacher of the MET Academy, has been bringing New Britain students to CICSTART for more than 15 years. He shared:

“The CICSTART program has provided our New Britain High School MET Academy students with an extraordinary supplemental learning experience, one that goes far beyond what we can replicate in a traditional classroom. The combination of advanced STEM challenges, teamwork, and professional skill development equips our students with the confidence and abilities they need for future success in college and the workforce. We are grateful to the National Science Foundation, CCSU’s Innovation Hub, and the entire CICSTART team for their continued partnership. This program is truly one of those rare opportunities that leaves a lasting impact on students’ lives.”

As the MET Academy expands its work in engineering, manufacturing, and STEM career readiness, the CICSTART program remains one of the most impactful supplemental learning opportunities available; one that truly changes lives, strengthens skills, and opens doors to future success.

 

The following students participated in the CICSTART Summer 2025 program:

Aaron Aidoo

Aiden Barker

Jazzeal Billie

Nora Boumargoud

Adriel Cortes Figueroa

Kenoly Fosu

Adrian Garcia

Steve Guerrero

Sara Hasson

Jangel Jacobo Alicea

Paulina Krutul

Deaney Lopez

Elias Maldonado

Hailey Mcnamara

Rocco Nelson

Israel Ortiz-Perez

Joshua Pierre

Leonardo Ramirez Cortez

Lillian Rosado

Zander Russell

Anton Samets

Jayden Santiago

Krzysztof Szumski

Corday Vaughan

Lucas Vescovi

Gerald Wilkes