Project Lead the WayReady to Scale
Impact
Over the last several years, numerous reports and external organizations have validated Project Lead The Way’s success in engaging the hearts and minds of students. Studies show that students who participate in PLTW programs outperform their peers in school, are better prepared for post-secondary studies, and are more likely to consider careers in STEM-related fields than are their non-PLTW peers. A study from Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis found that high school graduates who participated in PLTW were three times more likely to major in a STEM field than non-PLTW graduates, and PLTW participation was significantly related to their persistence into the second year of college. A six-year longitudinal study out of Texas State University concluded that PLTW students were more prepared for and attended Texas higher education institutions at a higher rate, and also scored higher on the state’s mathematics assessment. PLTW’s K-12 pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science engage students at an early age, equipping them with the knowledge and transportable skills they need to thrive throughout their education and careers. In 2015-16, PLTW programs are reaching students at more than 8,000 schools across the U.S. With your partnership, PLTW can expand access to more students
Contact
Dr. Rex BolingerSenior Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Accomplished
- Need Accomplished
- Evaluation Developing
- Sustainability Accomplished
- Replication & Scalability Accomplished
- Partnerships Accomplished
- Capacity Accomplished
- Challenging & Relevant Content Accomplished
- STEM Practices Accomplished
- Inspiration Accomplished
- Under-Represented Groups Accomplished
Project Lead The Way has the best STEM curriculum for schools in the world. We have examined what other countries have to offer, and there is none better within the scope of my experience.
Toyota North America
Design Principles
The programs in this database clear a high bar. STEMworks reviewed each program against the Design Principles for Effective STEM Philanthropy. Programs must be Accomplished () across all Design Principles, or be Developing () in a maximum of three areas.
Overarching Principles
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Need Accomplished
Identify and target a compelling and well-defined need.
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Evaluation Developing
Use rigorous evaluation to continuously measure and inform progress towards the compelling need identified.
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Sustainability Accomplished
Ensure work is sustainable.
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Replication & Scalability Accomplished
Demonstrate replicability and scalability.
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Partnerships Accomplished
Create high impact partnerships.
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Capacity Accomplished
Ensure organizational capacity to achieve goals.
STEM Principles
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Challenging & Relevant Content Accomplished
Offer challenging and relevant STEM content for the target audience.
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STEM Practices Accomplished
Incorporate and encourage STEM practices.
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Inspiration Accomplished
Inspire interest and engagement in STEM.
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Under-Represented Groups Accomplished
Identify and address the needs of under-represented groups.
Program Overview
Project Lead The Way provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. Through an engaging environment, PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. Five PLTW programs create K-12 pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science: PLTW Launch for grades K-5; PLTW Gateway for middle school; and PLTW Engineering, PLTW Computer Science, and PLTW Biomedical Science for high school. Each program teaches students to apply knowledge from a variety of subjects as they engage in hands-on activities, projects, and problems reflective of real-world scenarios and careers. In the process, students develop skills in problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and communication and collaboration. PLTW curriculum is continuously updated and improved by a talented team of PLTW curriculum writers who work closely with teachers, post-secondary educators, and industry leaders. Professional development is an integral part of the PLTW approach and includes a hands-on experience for each teacher who instructs a PLTW course. PLTW’s professional development model provides teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to the art of teaching, in turn helping them to lead the immersive and engaging PLTW experience in their classroom. Through its unique PD approach, PLTW is empowering teachers and giving them the tools they need to transform the classroom experience.
Funders and Partners
Over 100 corporations and foundations partner with PLTW to support schools. These include Chevron, Lockheed Martin, Kern Family Foundation, Autodesk, VEX Robotics, Verizon, Bemis, Cargill, The Goizueta Foundation, Toyota, John Deere, General Motors, Dow Chemical Company, SunPower, Dart Foundation, Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Lilly Endowment, Georgia-Pacific, Amgen Foundation, Leidos, and many others. PLTW also has strategic partnerships with organizations and companies that complement PLTW’s work including, the College Board, STEM Premier, and the National Academy Foundation (NAF). Additional PLTW partners include: SkillsUSA, Technology Student Association (TSA), FIRST Robotics, and National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), US2020, and 100Kin10. Nearly 300 universities, college, and research institutions also collaborate with PLTW by helping support the growth of PLTW programs. Of those institutions, 60 serve as PLTW University Affiliates by hosting PLTW professional development training programs and annual conferences for school administrators, teachers, and counselors, as well as providing ongoing support to PLTW schools.