Ten PLTW Teachers to be Honored by Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation and 3M for Outstanding Efforts in Inspiring Students to Pursue Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Clifton Park, NY – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) will bring together leading STEM educators and advocates next month at its second annual national symposium. Members of the PLTW network, including teachers, students, state leaders, school administrators, guidance counselors, University officials, and industry supporters will honor their peers and share strategies to help PLTW further accomplish its mission of preparing students to become the most innovative and productive in the world. With a focus on how to effectively engage more students in STEM fields, event highlights include:
  • Building the Future Awards – presented to ten PLTW teachers by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation for exemplary work inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM fields
  • School Showcase – features PLTW students’ latest innovations
  • Women and Minorities in STEM – a series of presentations on recruiting female and minority students to STEM classes and career fields
  • STEM and Universities – a discussion led by leaders in higher education that examines the importance of STEM education in middle and high schools and its impact on the success of first-year college students
Presenters, panelists, and participants include higher education and government leaders; STEM education innovators; community, business, and industry leaders; and economic development directors. The event will take place November 12-14 at the Hilton Hotel in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.pltw.org/2nd-Annual-PLTW-National-Symposium.cfm. About Project Lead The Way 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.