The Wentz Pre-Engineering Program
Whatever level of science or math you have had, chances are you’ll want to participate in the Wentz Pre-Engineering Program at some point while at Kent.

“It’s like a playground for the students,” says Ben Nadire, retired director of the Pre-Engineering Program. “They love being hands-on and learning teamwork with any kind of challenge. They get locked in.”
Indeed, it’s a common occurrence to walk down the halls of our Pre-Engineering and Applied Sciences Center and hear students say, “Whoa!” with wide-eyed wonder as they program a robot successfully or build a bridge or work with a 3-D printer.
Unlike schools who have only recently begun to design special STEM offerings, Kent has been a pioneer among independent schools, establishing this innovative engineering program a decade ago.
Students in the program gain a solid understanding of the practice and profession of engineering through:
- coursework
- extracurricular activities
- the FIRST® robotics competition
- summer programs
- guest lectures
- field trips
Even though the program is demanding, attracting the attention of colleges and universities across the country, students who enroll in the Pre-Engineering Certificate program will still enjoy the full Kent experience.