From High School Innovation to Engineering Excellence: Shoshi's CIJE Journey
What started as a curiosity in her high school’s CIJE engineering curriculum ignited a passion that now fuels her academic journey. Today, Shoshi studies electrical engineering at The Cooper Union, one of the nation’s most prestigious engineering schools. She credits CIJE’s programs with fundamentally reshaping her academic and professional trajectory, preparing her for success in ways she never imagined.
When Shoshi first encountered the CIJE engineering program at Bruriah High School in 10th grade, she had no idea it would alter her future.
Coming from a family of aspiring medical professionals, she excelled in math and science but had never considered engineering as a career path. That all changed when she dove into CIJE’s hands-on, project-based learning with her engineering teacher Dr. Bracha Erblich.
“Without her guidance and support, I would not be where I am today,” Shoshi reflects.
“When I first met Shoshi, it was clear that she’s incredibly capable, creative, intelligent, and hardworking,” said Dr. Erblich.
In her class, Dr. Erblich challenges students to ask questions, expand their knowledge, and create. This cannot be done in isolation, and she credits CIJE with reinforcing these critical skills.
“The CIJE Tank competition encourages students who may naturally be able to problem solve, innovate, and create to focus on the practical and the market,” she continues. “It helped Shoshi understand how her skills would need to evolve to bring a product that she designs to market. I believe this helped her earn a place in Cooper Union and will help shape her progress there and beyond.”
“It was so different from anything else you learn in high school,” Shoshi recalls. “I loved the challenge.” She discovered the excitement of creative problem-solving and the importance of teamwork, communication, and innovation—skills that would become cornerstones of her success.
Shoshi didn’t just participate—she thrived. Over two Innovation Days, she presented groundbreaking projects and was selected for CIJE Tank twice, winning on her second attempt. These experiences gave her the confidence to tackle complex challenges and showcase her skills to a broader audience.
After graduating, Shoshi returned to mentor younger students at Bruriah High School. Her dedication to giving back reflects the lasting impact of CIJE’s emphasis on leadership and community-building.
CIJE’s influence extended beyond high school, playing a pivotal role in Shoshi’s college application process. The projects she completed and the skills she gained became standout elements of her resume and essays.
“So much of my resume was different things I had from CIJE—the projects, the experiences,” Shoshi explains. “I learned how to break down problems. Everyone at your engineering school is going to be smart, but you know how to communicate and present.”
Her professors at The Cooper Union have already noticed her well-rounded abilities—a testament to CIJE’s holistic approach to STEM education.
Shoshi also discovered an unexpected benefit: a connection to a broader network of Jewish engineering students on her campus. She estimates that “probably at least 70% [of Jewish engineering students]” participated in CIJE programs. This shared experience has fostered a sense of community among students from diverse schools and backgrounds.
Today, Shoshi sees CIJE as more than just an educational program—it’s a platform that empowers students from Jewish schools to compete on equal footing with peers from larger institutions nationwide. “I didn’t come into college with less knowledge,” she emphasizes. “In some things, I came in with more.”