University High School has partnered with the Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis to provide its students access to research-driven work-based learning experiences and the opportunity to earn college credit simultaneously through dual enrollment courses.
The Dual Enrollment Engineering Pathway learning component launched during the
2024–25 school year.
The courses include ENGR 1009 (Prep Math for Engineering) and ENGR 1010 (Engineering Problem Solving) where high school students gain exposure and rotate through the various research labs in the engineering college including civil, mechanical, biomedical, electrical and computer in the fall. In the spring, they participate in one single lab, completing an internship for that semester. Advising is also built into the curriculum.
“When students step into a university research lab, engineering stops being an abstract concept and becomes something tangible and collaborative,” said University High School Coordinator of College and Career Planning Lauren Beaupre. “Working alongside faculty and research teams allows students to see how ideas move from theory to application. For many students, that kind of experience is transformative — it helps them see themselves as future engineers. At the same time, it also strengthens the relationship between University High students and the larger University community.”
A model called “Flexible Friday” utilized by University High School is allowing students the ability to participate in the labs within Herff without disruption to their current high school academic calendar and assignments.
Students in eleventh and twelfth grade are already praising the program crediting it with allowing them to gain their first jobs, affirmations in their future majors and knowledge to career pathways in the STEM fields.
“Experiences like this transform how students see themselves and their future,” Dr. Okenwa Okoli, dean of the Herff College of Engineering said. “By engaging in real-world engineering work alongside our faculty, they gain the confidence to pursue STEM pathways with purpose while expanding access to these opportunities through strong K–12 and higher education collaboration.”
The Tennessee Department of Education’s comprehensive career cluster review stated that the STEM field is pivotal in driving innovation and addressing the most urgent challenges we face today and in our future. Four programs are key which are: advanced STEM applications, BioSTEM, engineering and technology — all of which University High students are gaining real-world application and experiences through the partnership with Herff.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this model is that it intentionally blends high school, college and workplace learning into a single experience,” Beaupre said. “Students earn college credit while contributing to authentic research environments and receiving mentorship from engineering professionals. While University High benefits from being located on the University of Memphis campus, the broader model — combining dual enrollment with structured work-based learning — has strong potential to expand access to STEM pathways for students across Tennessee.”
Early exposure to novel technologies, methodologies and the ability to find creative solutions to face challenges is critical in advancing in these fields.
“Our students are not only gaining college credit in some of the most rigorous STEM courses at the UofM, but they are also developing a STEM identity while gaining hands on experience that will help prepare them for careers that do not yet exist in today’s workforce,” said Vice Provost and Director of Schools for University Schools Dr. Sally Parish. “We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity it presents for our students.”
