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TIE Program

Discover Innovation with LLA's Technology, Innovation, & Engineering (TIE) Program

A Human-Centered Innovation Program

Innovation Begins with People

At Loma Linda Academy, we believe the most meaningful innovations begin with understanding people. The Technology, Innovation, & Engineering (TIE) Program is a four-year college and career pathway that equips students to become compassionate innovators, using design thinking, engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship to improve the lives of others.

Grounded in LLA's mission of developing Christ-centered servant leaders, TIE teaches students that innovation is more than building new technology, it's using God-given talents to serve others with wisdom and creativity. Every project begins by listening before designing, and serving before building.

Through a dual-credit partnership with Andrews University, students can earn university credit while learning the way real engineers, entrepreneurs, and designers work.

Building a Strong Foundation

Students train in a full maker space, including an extensive woodshop and metal fabrication area, alongside FDM 3D printers, laser cutters, and CAD routers, gaining hands-on experience creating real projects and prototypes as they explore manufacturing processes and design thinking fundamentals.

Advanced Techniques and Specialized Tracks

As students progress through the program, they take on intermediate to advanced techniques in additive manufacturing and design thinking, including optimizing complex geometries with FDM printers and user-centered design principles. A unique feature is the ongoing collaborative project with the LLU and LLUMC Orthotics and Prosthetics Department, where students design and prototype assistive devices, emphasizing empathy and encouraging innovative solutions rooted in Christian values.

Capstone Projects and Professional Development

In the capstone year, students develop client-based capstone projects with guidance and mentorship, culminating in presentations and exhibitions to showcase their work. Professional skills training, including resume building and interview preparation, ensures they are well-equipped for future careers.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

At LLA, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives. Our program is not just about acquiring skills, it's about developing a mindset that combines innovation with compassion. Join us to be part of a community that values creativity, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Program at a Glance

Four-year innovation pathway for grades 9-12
Optional Andrews University dual credit, starting in grade 9
High School Innovation Certificate from Andrews University upon completion
Human-centered design, engineering, AI and emerging technologies
A fully equipped maker space with woodshop, metal fabrication, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CAD routers
Real community and industry partnerships, including a collaborative project with the Loma Linda University and LLUMC Orthotics and Prosthetics Department
Christ-centered learning through service

Why Choose the TIE Program?

Human-Centered Innovation
Every project begins with empathy, understanding the people students are designing for before building a solution.

Building a Strong Foundation
Students train in a full maker space, including a woodshop and metal fabrication area, alongside 3D printers, laser cutters, and CAD routers, gaining hands-on experience creating real projects and prototypes.

Dual Credit with Andrews University
Students can earn university credit while still enrolled at LLA. Dual-credit tuition applies per course.

Authentic Learning
Students work directly with healthcare professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community organizations on real challenges, including a collaborative project with the LLU and LLUMC Orthotics and Prosthetics Department, where students design and prototype assistive devices.

Engineering & Innovation
Hands-on experience with robotics, electronics, AI, programming, manufacturing, and digital fabrication.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership
Students learn Agile, Scrum, and Lean Startup practices while turning ideas into real solutions.

Faith in Action
Innovation becomes another way students live out Christ's example of compassion and service.

Our Philosophy: Design Thinking

At the heart of TIE is Design Thinking, a human-centered approach that begins with understanding people before creating solutions.

Empathize — listen to real stakeholders to understand their needs.
Define — identify the true problem to solve.
Ideate — brainstorm and select the most promising ideas.
Prototype — build tangible solutions using engineering, code, and fabrication.
Test — gather real feedback and iterate.

Throughout every project, one question remains constant: Who are we serving?

The Four-Year TIE Pathway

Each course builds on the last, growing students from empathetic problem-solvers into confident innovators. Students may earn dual credit through Andrews University throughout the pathway; additional Andrews University tuition applies for dual-credit courses.

Grade 9 — Optional Dual Credit
Innovation & Design
Students learn to think like innovators, developing empathy, creativity, and foundational engineering skills through Design Thinking. Topics: Human-Centered Design, Engineering Fundamentals, CAD, AI Foundations, Electronics, Rapid Prototyping.

Grade 10 — Dual Credit
TIE I: Prototyping and Tinkering
Students build practical engineering skills through fabrication, programming, and collaborative product development. Topics: Engineering Design, Programming, Digital Fabrication, Woodworking, Welding, CNC and Laser Cutting, Agile Collaboration.

Grade 11 — Dual Credit
TIE II: Introduction to Engineering Design
Students integrate engineering, electronics, software, and AI to develop advanced solutions for real stakeholders, including ongoing collaboration with the LLU and LLUMC Orthotics and Prosthetics Department on assistive device design. Topics: Embedded Systems, ESP32 Development, Robotics and Mechatronics, AI Applications, Systems Engineering, Scrum.

Grade 12 — Dual Credit
TIE Studio: Entrepreneurship, Capstone, & Independent Study
The capstone year: students work with real clients to design, prototype, validate, and present solutions while learning entrepreneurship and leadership. Capstone projects culminate in presentations and exhibitions showcasing student work, alongside professional skills training in resume building and interview preparation. Topics: Client-Based Capstone, Entrepreneurship, Lean Startup, Market Validation, Portfolio and Public Presentations.

Andrews University Innovation Certificate

Students who complete all four TIE courses earn a High School Innovation Certificate from Andrews University. Graduates leave with a four-year innovation portfolio, real engineering experience, dual college credit if enrolled, and a foundation for future study in engineering, healthcare, business, design, or entrepreneurship.

TIE Makerspace

Our Technology, Innovation, and Engineering Program boasts a massive, state-of-the-art maker space designed to inspire creativity and hands-on learning. This cutting-edge facility is equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, resin printers, and a large-format inkjet printer, providing a comprehensive range of digital fabrication tools. The woodworking shop features state-of-the-art SawStop saws, while the metal fabrication shop includes welders and a CNC plasma cutter for advanced metalwork. Additionally, the automotive shop and CNC router expand the possibilities for students to bring their innovative designs to life, making this maker space a hub for creativity and technical excellence.

How to Apply

Application Process for the Technology, Innovation, & Engineering (TIE) Program

We are excited to invite students who are passionate about technology, innovation, and engineering to apply for our TIE Program. Our application process is designed to help us understand your interests, experiences, and desire to become part of Loma Linda Academy's human-centered innovation program.

How long is the program and who can apply?

The TIE Program is a four-year pathway for grades 9 through 12, beginning with Innovation & Design in Grade 9. Prior experience in engineering, programming, robotics, or design is not required. We welcome students who are curious, creative, collaborative, and committed to using their talents to serve others. Because the program is intentionally designed as a four-year pathway, students are encouraged to begin in Grade 9. Students entering in later grades may still be eligible for admission, with placement determined based on academic background and available space.

How to Apply

Complete the online TIE Application. The application includes:

Student information
Short reflection questions
Student and parent commitment acknowledgments
Andrews University dual-credit acknowledgment, including the associated university tuition for students who choose to participate in dual-credit courses

Complete the Application at this link: Link TBD

We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about your passion for technology, innovation, and engineering. If you have any questions about the application process, please get in touch with our TIE program coordinator, RJ Tenga, at tie@lla.org.

Join us in shaping the future through creativity, innovation, and ethical responsibility!

TIE Program

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Technical Professions
- Architect
- Engineer
- Patent Attorney
- Geologist
- Controller
- Metallurgist
- Aviation Administration
- Dentistry
- Industrial Safety
- Biomedical Electronics
- Archeologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Tool and Die Maker
- Cabinet Maker/Manufacturer
- Building Inspector
- Plant/Operations Manager
- Automotive Mechanic
- Insurance Adjuster
- Prosthetics Technician
- Model Maker

Quotes from Students & Parents

"The activities you describe my son will be experiencing in your class would have better prepared me for my work as an orthopedic surgeon than anything I every took in school."

"Jeremy wasn't quite sure he wanted to be an engineer, but it was your class that helped him make up his mind." - Mother of Nike shoes engineer

"We had to make extensive construction improvements to our house and also to the local church. We collected our water using a catchment basin and used solar panels to charge batteries for electricity at night . . . he said we were the only student missionaries he'd ever seen that knew what they were doing."

"Although Eric was an A and B student, he hated school. Your class was the only bright spot in his day. I don't think we could have gotten him to school if it wasn't for TIE."

"The TIE program helped me prepare for Dentistry better than anything else I took in school. If you get a

chance to get into TIE, take it!"

"I may only be a freshman Walla Walla Engineering student, but second semester they made me lab

assistant for the senior Engineering students!"

"It was your class that helped Ryan decide to become an architect! He loved TIE!"

"I am in the country of Jordan on an archaeological dig. When I was in TIE, I was extremely lost in drafting and mapping. Now I have to do it every day while managing the progress I make in my archaeological space. The help you gave me has made it easier to do. Thanks!"

"When I was in school you had to choose between the academics or the technical. Here you get both."

"When Jeremy went to Andrews he said he wanted to take something that reminded him of home. He took the lamp he made in TIE."