PLTW PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Gateway Academy
The Gateway Academy summer day camp utilizes PLTW’s project-based, hands-on, and real-world problem-solving approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. The camp is hosted by high schools or middle schools offering PLTW programs, such as Gateway To Technology (GTT) or Pathway To Engineering (PTE). Gateway Academy is designed for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and strives to ignite an interest in STEM subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the target grade levels?
The Gateway Academy is intended for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
What is the length of a typical Gateway Academy and what will it include?
The Gateway Academy is a one- or two-week day camp that typically includes team-building exercises, individual and team projects, and utilizes the latest technology to solve problems.
Can we schedule Gateway Academies at any time during the summer, or must they occur on certain dates?
Individual schools can select any dates during the summer to host their Gateway Academy.
I am a Pathway To Engineering teacher. Can I still instruct a Gateway Academy?
Yes, as long as you are trained in a PLTW engineering course, you can instruct an academy.
Can I host multiple sessions?
Yes, you can host as many sessions as you would like. With all of the activities, projects, and problems included in the curriculum, you can conduct a two-week academy with no repetition.
Are there a limited number of Gateway Academy sites?
No. Any eligible PLTW site may host a Gateway Academy.
What is the cost of a Gateway Academy?
Approximate cost to deliver a one-week Gateway Academy is $500 to $700 of consumable materials, depending upon the projects that you choose to implement. This cost is based on the use of Gateway To Technology and/or Pathway To Engineering software, equipment, and materials available at the host site. Additionally, if funding allows, consider compensating the lead teacher and an additional instructor or a high school volunteer to assist.
We are a PLTW High School; however, we do not have a PLTW Middle School. Can we still offer a Gateway Academy?
Yes, as long as the camp is held at a PLTW school that offers the PTE program. This is necessary because learning modules utilize software, equipment, and materials that are available in the PTE program.
Who is eligible to host a Gateway Academy?
Any middle or high school offering PLTW courses, including Gateway To Technology or Pathway To Engineering, is eligible to host a Gateway Academy.
Are there grants available?
Unfortunately, there are not grants available this year. If you choose, you can decide to charge students a fee to participate. You can also ask local entities to sponsor your Gateway Academy.
How and when can I register and access curriculum for a Gateway Academy?
Online registration opened on February 1, 2013. Curriculum will be made available on April 15, 2013. Registration forms submitted on or after April 15 will take one to three days to process.
The Gateway Academy summer day camp program combines the efforts of two of our nation's most outstanding educational organizations, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation (SME-EF) and PLTW. The SME Education Foundation is committed to inspiring, preparing, and supporting the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists for the advancement of manufacturing education. Created by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has provided more than $31 million since 1980 in grants, scholarships, and awards through its partnerships with corporations, organizations, foundations, and individual donors. Visit SME Education Foundation at www.smeef.org.
