In recognition of women in engineering, the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) proudly celebrates the powerful contributions of women in engineering and the local impact of its inclusive and dynamic Engineering Program. Designed to nurture talent, encourage diversity, and foster hands-on innovation, ACIT’s Engineering Program is preparing young women to be leaders and changemakers in a rapidly evolving field.
“At ACIT, we are deeply committed to creating opportunities for all students to thrive in high-demand, high-skill careers,” said ACIT Principal Joseph Potkay. “Our Engineering Program reflects the strength of our faculty, the talent of our students, and the importance of representation in STEM. We are proud to empower the next generation of female engineers and innovators.”
At the heart of this success are ACIT’s accomplished female faculty, who bring industry experience from the Federal Aviation Administration and Lockheed Martin directly into the classroom. Their professional journeys inspire students and offer a real-world lens into the engineering field. “Through design projects and data analysis, we help students build the problem-solving and communication skills they’ll need to succeed in engineering and beyond,” said instructor Malika Green.
Kathleen Dunlevy, another faculty member and engineer, emphasizes the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and innovation. “Students build everything from specialized robots to 3D-printed assistive devices. They are developing technical skills and solving real-world problems,” she said.
ACIT’s commitment to hands-on learning and diversity cultivates a unique environment where female students thrive. The program integrates work-based learning experiences, field trips, and exposure to a network of professional women in STEM. These opportunities connect students with mentors and peers across the industry and open doors to internships and career exploration.
Junior Emma Highberger recalls how classroom experience empowered her to succeed during her internship at Atlantic City Electric. “Because of my training in CADD software at ACIT, I was able to take on technical drawing revisions with confidence. Without that preparation, the learning curve would have been steep.”
“Before ACIT, I thought engineering was just math and computers—but the hands-on projects completely changed that. We built real models, collaborated with other academies like CADD, Fashion, and Media, and saw our designs come to life. It showed me engineering is creative, collaborative, and incredibly rewarding when you can hold the final product in your hands,” said senior Mahia Rahman.
Beyond the classroom, ACIT’s female engineering students actively serve as ambassadors, encouraging younger girls to pursue STEM through outreach events and summer camp collaborations. “Our students know they belong in engineering,” said Dunlevy. “They’re building the future—and making sure others see themselves in it too.”
As ACIT celebrates International women in engineering, it reaffirms its mission: to equip all students with the tools, support, and vision they need to lead in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through mentorship, innovation, and representation, ACIT is proudly shaping the next generation of engineers—one young woman at a time.
About Atlantic County Institute of Technology
For over four decades, the Atlantic County Institute of Technology has been preparing students with the academic and technical skills needed to successfully enter the world of work or continue their education at the college level. ACIT is the most comprehensive technical education facility in Atlantic County, and it is the school of choice for a diverse student body, offering 19 career and technical education programs from which to choose. ACIT’s motto: “Pursue What You Love,” encourages students to actively engage in their chosen academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, including various after-school clubs and athletic programs. In addition, 100’s of Atlantic County adult learners are enrolled in the Adult Education Program. Adult learners in the evening school participate in both full- and part-time technical programs.
For more information about ACIT, please visit www.acitech.org.
