Project Lead The Way ^® (PLTW) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes engineering courses for middle grades and high school students. PLTW, Inc. forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from the educational system.

Any student who is enrolled in a college-preparatory math course is eligible to enroll in the Project Lead The Way ^® engineering program of study. Students who also have an interest in science and mathematics should be encouraged to consider the program as a means of career exploration. Those who find the engineering program of interest can complete a five-courses sequence at the high school to become fully prepared for a two- or a four-year college program in engineering or engineering technology. Others will find out in high school that engineering is not for them and will have time to prepare for another career path.

PLTW, Inc. has also developed a hands-on mathematics/science/technology curriculum called Gateway To Technology. This project-based program is divided into five nine-week sections. It will encourage more students to continue their technology studies in the high school program.

PLTW, Inc. makes its curriculum materials for middle grades and high schools available to partner schools at no cost and provides professional development for teachers and counselors. In return, schools must provide equipment meeting PLTW, Inc. specifications, implement a five-course sequence within four years or the middle grades program within three years, and send staff for professional development training.

For more information please contact Carolyn Helm, carolyn.helm@sreb.org or Kenneth Mason, kenneth.mason@sreb.org.