Six Elementary Schools Receive Grant to Implement Hands-on STEM Program from Project Lead The Way
by Muscatine Community School District
June 07, 2019

Six Elementary Schools Receive Grant to Implement Hands-on STEM Program from Project Lead The Way

[Muscatine, IA] – Students and teachers at Franklin, Grant, Mulberry, McKinley, Madison, and Jefferson schools] will soon have access to a curricular program that will give students an advantage in their education and future careers. The opportunity is made possible through a partnership between MCSD and Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides transformative learning experiences for PreK-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.

All 6 elementary schools will use funds from the grant to implement the PLTW Launch program and help cover annual program fees and teacher professional development.

“MCSD is thrilled to have received this grant along with the professional development that will provide best practices with the area of STEM that we’ve been anticipating.” Becky Wichers

Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, all six schools will offer PLTW Launch.  Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at math and science. PLTW Launch provides students with early opportunities to develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects while empowering them to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling real-world activities. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and grow as problem solvers.

“Our world is rapidly evolving, and that has serious implications for our students,” said PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vince Bertram. “Project Lead The Way is proud to partner with MCSD’s elementary teams to excite and engage students in math and science from the earliest ages. Thank you to our generous industry partners who made this grant possible. Together, we’re helping students develop a strong foundation in math and science, make connections between their classroom and careers, and enhance transportable skills that will prepare them to thrive in our evolving world.”

Muscatine schools join more than 10,500 schools across the U.S. in offering PLTW programs to students. The PLTW grant application process is highly competitive for schools. To receive a grant, schools engage in an application process that includes a demonstration of the school’s ability to meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria. The requirements include district and community support, teacher professional development, technology acquisitions, a program sustainability plan, and many other factors.

About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. More than 10,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.

This content has been provided by the Muscatine Community School District and is distributed by Discover Muscatine.

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