Contact: Lisa Cohen 310-395-2544 lisa@lisacohen.org PLTW to Use Funds to Launch Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Program in Twenty- Schools Located in Eleven States Clifton Park, NY – Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading STEM education provider, announced today that the American Electric Power Foundation has committed $650,000 to support the launch of PLTW’s rigorous “Pathway to Engineering” High School program and “Gateway to Technology” Middle School program in 22 new schools located in 11 states through 2014. PLTW’s project- based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and innovation engages students in STEM fields by helping them connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-life problem solving. PLTW is providing students with a foundation and proven college and career path in STEM fields that are critical to America’s ability to compete in today’s global economy. “Students, parents and educators are the true beneficiaries of this extremely generous donation by American Electric Power Foundation,” said John Lock, President and CEO of PLTW. “As a result of this gift, PLTW will have the opportunity to engage hundreds of new students in science and tech fields that are critical to America’s future prosperity. PLTW is proud to call AEP Foundation a partner in working towards our mission to prepare American students to become the most innovative and productive in the world.” The American Electric Power Foundation, a strong supporter of improving lives through education, is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The new PLTW schools will be located in American Electric Power’s service areas in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. “The PLTW curriculum is attracting more and more students to STEM fields at a time when our nation needs it most,” said Mike Morris of the AEP Foundation and chairman, president and chief executive officer of AEP. “This is exactly the kind of innovative program that can change a kid’s life, by getting them excited about learning and helping them visualize a career path and successful future.” A National Business Roundtable report states that to remain competitive in the global marketplace, America needs to graduate 400,000 science, engineering, mathematics and technical four year degrees annually, yet we are currently graduating only 265,000. PLTW is attempting to increase that number and the most recent statistics find that the non-profit organization is having an impact: a 2006- 2007 “True Outcomes” report found that PLTW alumni are studying engineering and technology at five to 10 times the average rate of all students; a National Center for Education Statistics report found that over 95% of PLTW program graduates intended to pursue a 4- year degree or higher – versus a national average of 67%; and PLTW students have a higher retention rate in college engineering, science and related programs than other students in these areas. About the American Electric Power Foundation - The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation’s areas of focus include special emphasis on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, protecting the environment, providing basic human services in the areas of hunger, housing, health and safety, and enriching life through art, music and cultural heritage. The Foundation is based in Columbus, Ohio. About PLTW - PLTW is a national, non-profit organization that provides rigorous and innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for middle schools and high schools. The PLTW® comprehensive curriculum, which is collaboratively developed by PLTW teachers, University educators, engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators, 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. PLTW began in 1998 in 12 high schools in upstate New York as a program designed to address the shortage of engineering students at the college level and has grown to a network of almost 3,400 middle and high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Over 300,000 students are enrolled in PLTW® courses.