PLTW Grows to 30,000+ Students in Wisconsin; 4th Largest Program in U.S.

MILWAUKEE, WI, September 09, 2010 (Press-News.org) Wisconsin students' participation in Project Lead the Way (PTLW) - an innovative series of middle and high school classes blending science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) - has grown to more than 30,000 for the 2010-2011 academic year, more than doubling in less than three years. The students come from more than 250 schools, the fourth largest total in the nation, representing 39 counties across the state. Nationally, PLTW courses are offered to 350,000 students in nearly 4,000 schools.

"Everyone involved - school boards, administrators, principals, teachers, students and student families - has responded to the call for a greater emphasis on STEM courses," said Steve Salter, PLTW Wisconsin affiliate director (www.pltwwi.org). "With more than half of the engineers and scientists in the United States nearing retirement, technical industries are in desperate need of workers who will be responsible for innovation and economic growth."

According to U.S. government data, job openings requiring expertise in STEM will increase by 18.3 percent through 2014. Many of Wisconsin's fastest-growing industries and highest-demand jobs are in fields that require a background in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Project Lead The Way provides students with a rigorous pre-engineering program using the latest in high-tech computer software.

Students earning credit from Wisconsin colleges and universities

The program's growth can be traced in part to the support provided by the state's colleges and universities. The University of Wisconsin (UW) System allows students who complete certain PLTW high school classes to earn advanced standing credit at UW System schools. Additionally, program credit and/or scholarships are available through Marquette University, the Milwaukee School of Engineering and many of the UW System and Wisconsin Technical College System campuses.

Business and state education leaders continue their PLTW involvement. Since the program's start in 1999, enrollment has steadily increased due to the collaborative efforts of schools, public and private organizations and the business community.

Through a state allocation, Gov. Jim Doyle, the legislature, the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Workforce Development have fueled program growth and leveraged private and school district support. Rockwell Automation, Vogel Construction, WPS, Bradley Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Kern Family Foundation, Oconomowoc Community Foundation, Ann Marie Foundation and others have generously supported Wisconsin schools to ensure the PLTW curriculum reaches more students each year.

About Project Lead The Way

Created in response to the expected 15 million engineer and technical worker shortage (according to U.S. Government estimates) in the U.S. by the year 2015, PLTW helps students apply academic engineering and technology concepts in compelling, real-world ways. The program has established partnerships with schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

General information about PLTW can be found at http://www.pltw.org, while state-specific information is located at http://www.pltw-wi.org. At these websites, school leaders interested in initiating PLTW at their schools may learn more about the program. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Affiliate Director Steve Salter at salters@msoe.edu or 414-277-7255.

Editors Note: To arrange an interview with national state or local PLTW leaders, or receive photos of students participating in PLTW activities, contact Chad Ritterbusch or Marc Whitney at 262.786.5970.