Mound Westonka High School Receives Grant to Implement Nation’s Leading STEM Curriculum

announced late last week that it is the recipient of a $35,000 grant from Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading provider of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum.

Funds from the grant will support the implementation of the PLTW engineering curriculum, including the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in the hands-on, project-based classes that are a distinguishing characteristic of PLTW’s curriculum.

“This grant provides the funding for an important program for students who have a desire to pursue the field of engineering after high school," Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Mark Femrite, said. "In addition, adding the PTLW program at the high school is one way to meet the district’s strategic plan of embedding 21st century skills into the classroom.”  

Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, Mound Westonka High School will offer PLTW’s Pathway To Engineering (PTE) curriculum, where students immerse themselves in the concepts of engineering, learn and apply the design process and build strong teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. Through the hands-on, project-based classroom learning, students learn how to apply the skills they’ve learned in math and science to real-world applications, setting them up for postsecondary and career success.

The PLTW grant application process is highly competitive for schools.

To receive a grant, schools went through a rigorous application process, which included demonstrating that the school met specific requirements and eligibility criteria to be awarded grant funds. The requirements included district and community support, contractual agreements, teacher professional development, technology acquisitions and many others.

“Project Lead The Way is committed to providing the highest quality STEM education to prepare today’s students for the global economy,” said PLTW President and CEO Vince Bertram. “We were pleased to receive so many quality grant applications, and we look forward to partnering with Mound Westonka High School to prepare our nation’s next generation of innovators. Finally, we’d like to thank our generous industry partners who made this grant possible.”

Click here for more information on Project Lead The Way.  

Project Lead The Way is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education curricular programs used in schools. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, PLTW exists to prepare students for the global economy through its world-class curriculum, high quality professional development and an engaged network of educators, students, universities and professionals. PLTW's comprehensive curriculum has been collaboratively designed by PLTW teachers, university educators, engineering and biomedical professionals and school administrators to promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving skills in students.

The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they typically do not pursue and provides them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success. More than 4,200 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently offering PLTW courses to their students.