Indianapolis, IN – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) today announced a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy that empowers PreK–12 students and educators to understand, use, and build responsibly with AI. The initiative aims to expand PLTW’s leadership and expertise in hands-on STEM and CTE education to meet the growing demand for AI-ready skills across every industry.
A Four-Pillar Approach to AI Learning
PLTW’s AI strategy is organized around four connected pillars that provide a full learning continuum that ranges from awareness to application:
- AI Literacy: Foundational resources and training for students and teachers that build awareness of what AI is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly. These AI Literacy Blueprints introduce key concepts beginning in PLTW Launch (elementary program) and continue through middle and high school.
- AI as Curriculum: A new Principles of AI course introduces students in grades 8 and up to data science, machine learning, and ethics through project-based learning. This is the first courseware release in this pillar, with more to follow.
- AI in Practice: Integration of AI concepts and applications into existing PLTW pathways in Engineering, Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and in courses like Advanced Manufacturing.
- AI Inside: The use of AI within existing PLTW learning experiences to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Extending the power of AI learning through intelligent systems and supports that make teaching and learning more personalized, efficient, and scalable. This includes tools and features designed to assist educators, support students in real time, and deepen engagement across all PLTW pathways.
"Our goal is to ensure students and educators don't just consume AI but confidently harness it for innovation. It is critical that we equip students to create responsibly. PLTW’s new framework provides the roadmap to do this at scale, balancing technical skills with the essential guardrails of safety and ethics," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO.
Empowering Educators
To support teachers, PLTW offers Demystifying AI, a professional-development experience that helps educators understand AI fundamentals, model responsible use, and bring AI concepts into their classrooms, regardless of subject area.
“AI holds tremendous promise for helping teachers personalize instruction more effectively, but supporting their increasing comfort and confidence around its use is key,” said Joel Kupperstein, Chief Product Officer at PLTW. “PLTW's program design makes it easier and more comfortable for educators to integrate AI into their classrooms. We’re equipping them with resources that support teaching both with and about AI with clarity, purpose, and assurance.”
Pilots and Partnerships Driving Nationwide Access
PLTW is collaborating with leading education and technology partners to expand AI learning opportunities:
- Indiana: Partnering with the Indy STEM Alliance to pilot the Principles of AI course and related teacher training.
- Massachusetts: Working with the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to pilot AI curriculum across 30 districts.
- Mississippi: Launching additional regional pilots to bring AI learning and professional development to more districts throughout rural Mississippi.
PLTW’s platform-agnostic approach ensures schools can use AI safely within their own approved environments while focusing on the universal skills and ethics of responsible AI use.
National Leadership Through the Presidential AI Challenge
As a participating partner in the Presidential AI Challenge, PLTW joins a nationwide effort inviting K–12 youth, educators, and mentors to solve real-world problems using AI-powered solutions. The Challenge connects students with government and industry experts and showcases their innovations at national events starting in 2026.
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