Twenty-five juniors and seniors from local high schools arrived at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) for a tour of a facility and a ship, Feb. 28.

The students were in the second week of an 11-week Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) course -- the Pre-Engineering Program (PEP).

PEP offers local students a glimpse into how engineering principles are applied to everyday problem solving, taking what they learn from textbooks and bringing it to life. During the program, students pair with scientists and engineers and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about what the NSWC PHD workforce does on a daily basis to support the Navy.

The purpose of PEP is to build interest in STEM-related careers, build confidence and skills and provide hands-on learning with Navy-relevant content. PEP, which started here locally in 1998, is offered twice per year. More than 1,100 students have graduated from the program since its inception.

While at NSWC PHD, on this day, the students toured the Surface Warfare Engineering Facility and went pierside to learn about the Self-Defense Test Ship. The spring course started Feb. 21, which coincided with National Engineers Week.

PEP is one of many STEM-related programs offered at NSWC PHD. The organization's efforts are led by STEM Coordinator Dr. Ramon Flores, who actively engages in scholastic engineering development by bringing students and community leaders into partnerships to promote career path opportunities while encouraging STEM learning and exploration.

"Our STEM outreach, which includes PEP, would not be as successful as it is if it weren't for command emphasis, energetic volunteers, and inspired educators and students," Flores said. "This collaborative mix is the force behind our success."

In addition to PEP, division scientists and engineers also volunteer to lead the SeaPerch program and volunteer at local science fairs, career days, and other STEM-related events around the region.

All efforts by the command and its workforce are aligned with the Department of the Navy's STEM coordination office -- located at the Office of Naval Research -- led by the chief of naval research.

Students involved in PEP in the past have gone to college, received STEM-related degrees, and returned to NSWC PHD as employees. Aside from inspiration, engagement, and confidence building, Navy STEM also strives to educate, attract, employ, develop, and retain STEM professionals. Naval STEM is a mission-critical investment in the current and future workforce.

This latest group of students are scheduled to graduate from the program in May and will receive certificates and letters of recommendation from the NSWC PHD commanding officer.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, visit http://www.navy.mil/.