Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way Funding Opportunity
Funding for Pre-engineering Curriculum
The Kern Family Foundation is making available up to $2,000,000 in multi-year, competitive grants for high schools or middle schools in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota to implement the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) pre-engineering program. Implementation may begin in fall 2010 or fall 2011. The foundation anticipates funding 60 schools in this grant cycle.
For more information contact Jim Mecklenburg , Project Lead The Way Program Director at the Minnesota Center For Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence James.mecklenburg@mnsu.edu or phone 320-493-5229
Leading the Way
Program Overview
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a national program aimed at middle and high school students. Implemented through the Center for Excellence, it helps schools give students the knowledge needed to excel in high technology fields. Studies of the program’s curriculum prove that its student become the prepared, competent employees that U.S. industries need to stay competitive in the global market.
Project Lead the Way’s goal is to increase the number, quality, and diversity of the engineers graduating from our educational system. This program also offers students the chance to find out if engineering is a viable career choice. Research confirms that students introduced to engineering principles, concepts, and practical problems in high school are better prepared for – and more likely to be successful in – college programs. Currently, over 200 Minnesota schools participate in Project Lead the Way.
What can PLTW do for your school?
PLTW’s classroom instruction, generally one-third theory and two-thirds application, gives students meaningful, hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and project-based learning. They also have the opportunity to earn college credit for their work.
Contact Jim Mecklenburg, PLTW Program Director, for information how your school can become a Project Lead the Way participant.
Jim Mecklenburg
james.mecklenburg@mnsu.edu
Curriculum Overview
Gateway to Engineering – A five-unit middle school program
- Designed to help all students explore math, science, and technology
- Flexible, project-based, cutting-edge curriculum
- Taught in conjunction with rigorous core middle school courses
- Adheres to national standards in math, science, and technology
Pathway to Engineering – An eight-unit high school program
- Designed for students seeking more in-depth, hands-on knowledge of engineering and technology-based careers
- Flexible, cutting-edge curriculum that emphasizes problem solving skills
- Taught in conjunction with college preparatory math and science courses
- Adheres to national standards in math, science, and technology
A Note From The Program Director
Happy New Year everyone! I am looking forward to a productive and successful 2010 working with all of the MNCEME partners to meet our goals and objectives. Please mark your calendars for the Minnesota Statewide PLTW Conference March 2-3, 2010 at Breezy Point Conference Center. Breezy Point was selected because of the central location and the competitive rates they are able to offer. This year there will be a conference strand and strong effort to reach out to the Minnesota State Colleges and University institutions across Minnesota. I would like to see strong representation of our MNCEME partners at the 2010 PLTW Statewide Conference.
Recruitment, retention and placement of students in the Minnesota State Colleges and University institutions are goals that support Minnesota’s economy with a quality technical workforce. I have seen the success that PLTW brings to our students across the state and nation as they transition into our colleges and universities. PLTW students have an understanding of the rigor required to be successful in post secondary institutions and have a strong career focus. PLTW students in certified high school programs and passing the college exam can receive transcript credit from the University of Minnesota. Read more.
Additional Information
Kern Family Foundation Funding
National Project Lead the Way Organization
