PLTW to Use Funds to Launch Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Programs in Over 50 New Schools Clifton Park, NY – Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading provider of rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, announced today that Cargill, headquartered in Minneapolis, has committed more than $2 million in 2009 to support the launch of PLTW’s “Pathway to Engineering” high school program and “Gateway to Technology” middle school program in more than 50 new schools over the next three years. “Businesses are looking to hire employees who have the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are necessary for today’s high-tech global economy,” said John Lock, CEO of Project Lead The Way. “Cargill’s generous grant will provide more students with hands-on, project-based learning opportunities that emphasize creativity and innovation. We are excited about partnering with Cargill to prepare students to become the most productive and innovative in the world.” PLTW and its corporate partners work closely to identify ways for employees to share their industry knowledge and expertise with PLTW students. Students benefit greatly from programs that allow them to see firsthand how what they are learning in the classroom applies to the real world. Industry mentors are encouraged to spend time in classrooms and to invite students to see their work in action. “We are very encouraged by the success Project Lead The Way is having in engaging students in science, math, engineering and technology,” said Kayla Yang-Best, Cargill’s director for education giving. “At Cargill, we recognize our continued success depends on the growth and health of our communities and partners. This partnership has incredible potential to help students envision the possibilities before them and to provide these students with a path to college and career success in STEM related fields.” Cargill focuses its philanthropic giving primarily in the areas of nutrition and health, education and environmental stewardship targeting programs that provide long-term solutions, engage employees and leverage their expertise, and provide opportunities to collaborate with others. PLTW will launch in schools near Cargill facilities across the United States. Specific locations will be identified throughout the three year funding partnership. States identified to date include Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, Texas and Wisconsin. About Cargill Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 159,000 people in 68 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.cargill.com. About PLTW (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. More than 300,000 students are enrolled in PLTW courses. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.