Lincoln High School’s Engineering and Construction Academy is a collaborative partnership between education and industry that is umparalleled. The Academy currently has over 50 businesses, associations, contractors, and suppliers, both union and non union, on the benefactor list that have helped in some way. Many of our donors have provided in-kind donations, cash, brick and mortar, labor or equipment. In order for us to sustain our momentum and keep the Academy thriving we need to continue working with our industry partners to help secure funding for equipment, materials, scholarships, etc. We want to thank our long time supporters and would like to invite your company to join us in supporting the Engineering and Construction Academy.
Lincoln High School’s Engineering and Construction Academy is a school within a school that provides educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in the Building Trades and Construction Industry. The Academy has rigorous academic coursework, relevant hands-on training, and career paths that are directly related to the construction trades. Students in our Engineering and Construction Academy are enrolled in UC/CSU approved English classes with contextualized curriculum that is both rigorous and relevant to the Building Trades and Construction Industry. Academy students are also concurrently enrolled in the appropriate level math classes in which the curriculum is related to real world projects in construction.
The Engineering and Construction Academy staff is dedicated to educating and preparing all students for productive adulthood. Academy students must complete four years of high school English, three years of math, two years of science (Physical and Earth Science, and Biology), two years of Physical Education, World Geography, Health and Psychology, World History, U.S. History, American Government, and Economics. Additionally, all Academy graduates must pass the California High School Exit Exam.
Students pursue one of four career paths: Wood Products and Cabinetry, Mechanical Construction, Construction Technology, and/or Residential and Commercial Construction. Each demanding discipline requires mastery of its own industry specific skill sets.
Finally, the Academy’s facilities are designed to function as a textbook, educating students about the various components of a building by exposing the plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems and featuring the masonry, fire sprinklers, carpentry and green technology applications of construction.
I was born in Stockton and earned an AA degree from Delta College and graduated from San Jose State University with a BA degree in U.S. History and Philosophy. I have been a licensed General Contractor since 1980. I started teaching in 1976 and taught grades 7-12 in a variety of subject areas. I’ve worked in construction my entire life building custom homes and doing large remodels. Because of my extensive background in construction I was asked to take over the wood shop and drafting programs at LSE. During my tenure at LSE and LHS I built an award-winning CTE program. My students have won five Golden Bear awards and over 25 Outstanding Projects over the years. In 1992 I was transferred to Lincoln High School to teach the architecture and Autocad programs. I have received numerous awards over the years from the Golden Bell Award, Gender Equity Award, Construction Education Friend Award and in 2000 I was named SJC Teacher of the Year. In 2001, I was fortunate to be selected as California Teacher of the Year. After ten years of hard work with my industry partners we were able to build the new Engineering and Construction Academy at Lincoln High School. Teaching is my passion and I am proud to be part of the Engineering and Construction Academy.
After graduating high school, David served in the U.S. Army earning the rank of Sergeant and working as a Counter intelligence Agent and is a combat veteran. In 1995, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre- and Early Modern Literary Studies and Spanish Literature. He subsequently completed his M.A. in Literature and was awarded his Ph.D. in 16th and 17th Century Spanish Literature in 2006. He has published several literary articles in various academic journals and has served as an editor for two different book projects.
Dr. Dabaco has taught students from the 7th grade to graduate school. In 2006, he was awarded the Lincoln Unified Teacher’s Association Golden Apple “New Educator Award” by the SJC Coordinating Council/California Teacher’s Association. During his long tenure as a college student, Dr. Dabaco worked in the trades as a roofer, tile setter, and a carpenter to pay for his education. In his off time, he enjoys training bird dogs and upland hunting.
I grew up in Stockton and attended Edison High School, class of 2000. I graduated from CSU Stanislaus with my Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. To pay my way through college I worked in construction and I became familiar with different aspects of the industry. I’ve worked extensively with design layout, and have painted large scale logos for In-Shape Health Clubs and for the Intel campus in Roseville Ca. Afterwards I decided to go into teaching because of a passion I had for informing students of the various career opportunities that are available after high school. Along with teaching I also love woodworking as a hobby. I also enjoy reading philosophy, watching independent films, and playing guitar.
…is an investment in the future. In order to accomplish our goals, we are continuing to reach out to our community and industry partners for additional support in order to sustain our Academy. If you would like to be a part of this exciting project Contact Jeff Wright at (209) 639-1066. Thank you for your consideration of supporting our Academy. All checks should be made out to Lincoln Unified School District with a note for the Engineering and Construction Academy.