Forging New Generations of Engineers
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a not-for-profit organization partnering with public schools, organizations in the private sectors, and higher education institutions to increase the number and quality of engineers graduating from our educational system. The PLTW curriculum was first introduced in 12 New York State high schools in the 1997-98 school year. Today, the programs are offered in over 3,000 schools in 50 states.
PLTW students are introduced to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology to really get a feeling of the rewards and benefits of being a part of such a powerful career. Students participating in PLTW courses are better prepared for college engineering programs and more likely to be successful, thus reducing the attrition rate in these college programs, which currently exceeds 50 percent nationally.
Students from Upland Junior High School work in teams to learn about engineering during a visit to Cal Poly Pomona. Upland Junior High School began offering Project Lead The Way courses in Fall 2009. |
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Just getting started? Review PLTW Resources.
PLTW Courses for Middle Schools and High Schools
Project Lead The Way has created a special series of courses that are incorporated into the middle school and high school years. These courses complement math and science college preparatory programs to establish a solid background in engineering and technology. Two sets of curricula and courses are available to school districts: Gateway To Technology (for middle school) and Pathway To Engineering (for high school).
Middle School: Gateway To Technology
Gateway To Technology is an activity-oriented middle school curriculum—a program designed to help students in grades six through eight explore math, science, and technology. There are five independent, nine-week units; schools are expected to offer a minimum of two units. Most schools elect to offer four or more of the following:
These courses can be spread over three school years or condensed into the eighth grade academic year. Middle school students are naturally curious, and these units are designed to challenge and engage young minds in exciting activities.
Learn More about Middle School: Gateway to Technology
High School: Pathway To Engineering
The structured yet flexible high school program offers students in-depth, hands-on knowledge of engineering and technology-based careers. The three-tiered approach to learning flows from foundation courses to specialization courses to a capstone course.
Pathway To Engineering's three tiers:
This curriculum prepares students for demanding two- and four-year college engineering programs.
