SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Riley High School Principal Shawn Henderson announced the school has received a $50,000 grant from Project Lead The Way to launch a new Biomedical Engineering Program.

School officials say the initiative will be undertaken in collaboration with Washington High School's Medical Magnet program, which aims to foster interdisciplinary learning and prepare students for careers in the field of engineering and healthcare technology.

"This grant represents a significant step forward in providing our students with cutting-edge educational opportunities," said Edward Marang, Computer Science and Engineering Magnet Coordinator. "By partnering with Washington High School, we can leverage our combined strengths and create a dynamic program that will inspire the next generation of biomedical engineers and healthcare innovators."

Officials say the Biomedical Engineering program will integrate engineering principles with biological and medical sciences and offer students hands-on learning experiences.

Program topics will include:

• Biomechanics: The study of the mechanics of living organisms.
• Biomaterials: The development and use of materials for medical applications.
• Bioinstrumentation: The design, engineering and application of medical devices.
• Bioinformatics: The application of computer science to biological and medical data.

Students enrolled in the program will conduct research projects in collaboration with local universities and healthcare institutions, develop and prototype innovative medical devices and technologies, gain valuable industry experience through internships and mentorship programs, and prepare for college and careers in fields such as biomedical engineering, biomedicine, and healthcare technology.

"This partnership with Riley High School is a testament to the power of collaboration in education," said Theresa Godette, Washington Medical Magnet Coordinator. "By combining our expertise and resources, we can create a truly unique and impactful program that will benefit students from both schools and the entire South Bend community."

School officials expect the Biomedical Engineering program to launch in the 2025-2026 academic year.