Project Lead The Way’s (PLTW’s) mission is to ensure that America succeeds in the increasingly high-tech and high-skill global economy, by partnering with middle schools and high schools to prepare students to become the most innovative and productive in the world. Project Lead the Way uses a four-year sequence of courses that, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology.
This program is recognized as a model that fosters high-quality teaching with world-class curricula, standards and assessment of student learning. PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving. 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 in STEM related fields.
- Gateway to Technology (GTT) is a survey course offered in middle schools that provides an introduction to various engineering disciplines through hands-on project based curriculum.
- Pathway to Engineering (PTE) is a four-year high school sequence taught in conjunction with traditional math and science courses. PTE’s eight courses, including digital electronics and civil engineering, provide students with in depth, hands-on knowledge of engineering and technology-based careers.
- Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) introduces high school students to the human body, cell biology, genetics, disease and other biomedical topics in a sequence of four courses. The program prepares students for the postsecondary education and training necessary for success in a wide variety of positions.
Funding from the Kauffman Foundation, along with the matching funds from business, philanthropy, community partners, state and federal government funding were instrumental in launching PLTW regionally. Contributors included: The U.S. Department of Labor, The Society for Manufacturing Engineering, Cerner, Hallmark, Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, the Sprint Foundation and others. This pool of funds has given more Kansas City area high schools the opportunity to offer students this comprehensive pre-engineering program.
The Metropolitan Community College Foundation coordinates the implementation of the program into Kansas City area high schools and distributes grant funds. During the 20092010 school year, more than 4500 students were enrolled in the high school engineering program and an additional 4000 were enrolled in the middle school program. PLTW courses are offered in 42 high schools and 20 middle schools in the 5 county area. There are also 14 high schools currently implementing the new PLTW Bio Medical curriculum, nearly 700 students took PLTW Biomedical courses this school year alone. To date, PLTW-Kansas City has served more than 20,000 students in the Kansas City metro area.
Participating School Districts 2010-2011
Belton
Blue Springs
Kansas City MO
Blue Valley
Kansas City, KS
Center
Lee’s Summit
De Soto
Liberty
Fort Osage
North Kansas City
Grain Valley
Olathe
Grandview
Park Hill
Harrisonville
Raytown
Hickman Mills
Shawnee Mission
Independence
St. Joseph
Kansas City PLTW Regional Partners
More than 100 area certified teachers have been trained to teach the PLTW curriculum through partner post-secondary institutions including Missouri University of Science and Technology, Wichita State University, Purdue University, Duke University or Iowa State University. All Project Lead the Way teachers participate in Teacher Mentor Day to network and meet with master teachers, engineers and technologists. PLTW also partners with the University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri Kansas City, MCC and other regional Universities to offer training and experiences for both teachers and students. Each year PLTW-KC hosts about 175 local guidance counselors and administrators for a one-day conference on PLTW and STEM careers.
PLTW-KC recognizes the essential role of industry partnerships. The PLTW Industry Council consists of representatives from companies that rely on engineering and high tech skills for their workforce. Partner companies support PLTW through financial contributions, as well as providing PLTW students with meaningful connections to industry, including field trips, classroom speakers, and mentors. To date over 40 companies and more than 10 professional societies and local and state governmental agencies have supported the program.
Local Contact:
Laura Loyacono, Regional Director
Project Lead the Way
Metropolitan Community College
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, Mo. 64111-2429
(w) 816.604.1232
(cell) 816.665.3823
Laura.Loyacono@mcckc.edu