The engineering application company SOLIDWORKS recognized Waltrip High School for having one of the highest number of CSWA certifications in the state.

Representatives from SOLIDWORKS, Lab Resources, and Houston ISD’s Career and Technical Education Department visited the campus and its engineering students on Wednesday.

Waltrip High School has 17 students with their CSWA (Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate) certification, and that number is expected to double this year, according to Career and Technology Education Teacher Stephanie Witherspoon. She and Adel Rakha oversee the program.

“You just realize that it doesn’t matter who the student is,” said Witherspoon. “It matters if you give good, clear instruction, and that they have a desire. We have every walk of life who’s achieved this, and it’s cool to see equity.”

SOLIDWORKS certification involves fluid power systems design, computer-aided drafting, and mechanical engineering. It can open the doors for careers in a number of engineering fields.

“I want to thank [Witherspoon] because she has been an outstanding rockstar in implementing this program, monitoring it, and getting everyone qualified,” said James Jackson, SOLIDWORKS Regional Sales Manager for North America, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada.

Waltrip High School students who complete their CSWA certification can then work on achieving their CSWP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional in Mechanical Design) certification.

Engineering classes at Waltrip High School are part of HISD’s Magnet Choice Program and focus on design, development, use of engines, machines, and structures.