Grow Your Program

This one-stop-shop of information and resources for PLTW schools to promote and grow their programs and attract new students to STEM education will include PLTW logos, marketing materials, best practices and links to other STEM resources. 

We'll update this page as new best practices, information and other resources become available so check back for updates.

Click on the following links to preview the new PLTW pamphlets for parent and student outreach: Gateway To Technology, Pathway To Engineering, Biomedical Sciences

Download a zip file with PLTW logos, recruitment posters and brochures. (9 MB) [updated Dec. 13, 2010] This file will be updated as more materials become available.

Download a zip file of PLTW's "Welcome to the Innovation Zone" recruitment video. (46 MB) [updated Feb. 8, 2011]

If you need additional promotional materials, contact the PLTW Marketing Team at marketing@pltw.org or 877-335-PLTW (7589).

Download the information on this page as a PDF. [updated Dec. 13, 2010] This file will be updated as more information becomes available.

Promoting PLTW to Middle and High School Students [updated Dec. 13, 2010]

PLTW Information Sharing

• Insert PLTW course descriptions in curriculum guide.
• Promote courses during individual student and large group scheduling.
• Highlight PLTW course information on school Web site.
• Share PLTW brochures with prospective students.

Creation of Clubs and Competitions

• Provide a Robotics and/or Technology Club for students.
• Offer a PLTW Gateway Academy camp during the summer.
• Provide students with information on STEM-related competitions.

Demonstrations

• Provide a forum for high school students to share information, demonstrate projects about their coursework to middle school students and conduct interactive activities in elementary school classrooms.
• Lead classroom presentations and interactive activities based on PLTW courses.
• Host lunchtime demonstrations and displays around building.

Visitations

• Conduct field trips to colleges with active STEM programs or companies that operate in STEM fields.

Orientations/Promotional Activities

• Bring in guest speakers on careers in STEM fields.
• Highlight STEM careers and connections in TV, movies and entertainment.
• Host an eighth-grade parent night to share PLTW coursework and activities to prospective students and their parents.
• Provide a “Focus Your Future: Girl’s Reception” about PLTW courses that is exclusively for girls and their parents. Download the handbook.
• Feature STEM professionals on Career Day to talk about the components of his/her position, career path and necessary skills.
• Invite PLTW alumni to return to school and discuss how their PLTW courses helped them to make decisions on coursework at the college level.
• Present demonstrations from the Robotics Team, Legos Club and other hands-on experiences at an Electives Fair for prospective students and their parents.
• Use public access television to promote PLTW program.
• Create a mentoring group of college students.

Promoting PLTW to Parents and the Community [updated Dec. 13, 2010]

PLTW Information Sharing

• Highlight PLTW course information on school Web site.
• Add information to the parent/district newsletter.
• Discuss program goals with Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Chambers of Commerce and other civic organizations.
• Share information during new student orientation.
• Spotlight PLTW activities and curriculum during a PTO meeting.
• Provide promotional brochures to parents.
• Show the college and career paths to STEM fields of study.
• Host an eighth-grade parents’ night to share PLTW coursework and activities with students and parents.
• Bring electronic and print media into the classroom for unique stories about students involved in program.
• Review college-level recognition opportunities (available in certified schools).

PLTW Demonstrations

• Conduct student-led demonstration at a School Board meeting or invite Board of Education members to visit PLTW classrooms.
• Invite key local business professionals to the school for student-led demonstrations.
• Showcase displays at sporting events.
• Attend trade shows and conferences and demonstrate curriculum activities.
• Market items that are created through PLTW projects.
• Feature PLTW demonstrations during Open House.
• Hold student-led presentations about the program for parents.

Visitations and Connections from Industry

• Create opportunities for community members to volunteer in PLTW classes.
• Seek out internships or job shadowing for students in relevant local businesses.
• Invite local business professionals to the classroom to speak about career opportunities.

STEM Organizations and Web Sites

Inspiring America’s Future Innovators [updated Apr. 13, 2011]

American Society for Engineering Education
Assists students in determining the discipline of engineering they wish to pursue. Provides K-12 resources, teacher lesson plans and many links to other resources for students.

CareerMe
This all-inclusive, single-site resource provides a roadmap to advanced manufacturing careers and offers information on emerging technologies and the career credentials young people will need.

Design Squad
Presents middle and high school students with positive role models who experience STEM as fun and engaging.

Discover Engineering
What does a STEM professional do? How much does s/he make? Who are some famous engineers?

Dream It! Do It!
Provides information for parents, educators, employers, partners and sponsors. Determine the right job for your skill set, attitude, interest and passions.

eGFI
A Web site of the American Society for Engineering Education that is committed to promoting and enhancing efforts to improve K-12 STEM and engineering education.

An Engineering Education Makes a World of Difference
A project of the Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education (CASEE) of the National Academy of Engineering and partially supported by the National Science Foundation, this site asks and answers some basic questions like "Who is making a difference?" and "What is Engineering?"

Engineering Education Service Center
EESC is an engineering education company that specializes in providing products for K-12 schools to teach and share the fun of engineering.

Mad Sci Network
This is a great site if you have a report to do on the many faces of engineering. The Virtual Library is easy to use and offers information for students and teachers. There is even a place to email engineers with your questions.

MAGNET The Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network
The mission of MAGNET, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is to support, educate and champion manufacturing with the goal of transforming the region’s economy into a powerful, global player. The site features education and training resources for students and educators.

Manufacturing is Cool
This Web site from the SME Education Foundation celebrates creative thinkers and introduces curious and creative young people to the exciting world of modern manufacturing and the high-paying careers it offers.

Manufacuring Success
A blog from MAGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network)

National Academy of Engineering
Understand the big challenges our world faces and how STEM will help solve these issues.

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
NACME creates opportunities for underrepresented minority youth to receive a strong education in the STEM disciplines, encouraging them to pursue engineering study, providing support for their efforts, and ensuring the successful graduate access to a potentially exciting and rewarding career.

National Math and Science Initiative
This public-private partnership; led by private donors such as Exxon Mobil Corporation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation; addresses the declining number of students who are prepared to take rigorous college courses in math and science and equipped for careers in those fields.

National Society of Professional Engineers
Answers basic questions about engineering, lists activities and programs (Introduce a Girl to Engineering, The Future City) and highlights different engineering careers. This is an easy reading site for students and teachers.

The Opportunity Equation
This initiative, a partnership between the Institute for Advanced Study and Carnegie Corporation of New York, promotes equity and excellence in mathematics and science education.

SME Education Foundation
Provides information on the group’s activities, youth programs, scholarships and funding opportunities.

Sightseers Guide to Engineering
Allows visitors to pick a state and view famous places that were designed by engineers.

A Guide to Engineering for Women [updated Dec. 13, 2010]

Engineer Girl
Guide for middle and high school girls to learn about different types of STEM careers.

Engineer Your Life
Guide to Engineering for high school girls.

Society of Women Engineers
Establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. Empowers women to succeed and advance in those aspirations and be recognized for their life-changing contributions and achievements as engineers and leaders.

STEM Equity Pipeline
Expanding options for women and girls in STEM.

WEPAN (Women in Engineering Proactive Network)
Transforming culture in engineering education