It takes some school districts years to build a seamless STEM pathway for students from elementary school through high school graduation. Thanks to Burns & McDonnell’s generous support of the PLTW Grants program, one Texas school district is expanding their PLTW offerings from three schools to all eleven in the matter of a school year.
Located in DeSoto, Texas, a southwest suburb of Dallas, the DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) serves approximately 6,000 PreK-12 students. The district received a $220,000 grant towards implementation of PLTW programs at eight schools, meaning that all schools in the district will now offer at least one PLTW program. The funds will help the school district with start-up costs like enrolling teachers in training and purchasing industry standard equipment. This initiative aligns with the district’s commitment to increase access to STEM education and prepare their students for future careers.
“This grant is a game-changer, ensuring that our students will have the resources, technology, and opportunities they need to excel in STEM fields,” DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers said. “As a district, we are committed to providing a robust educational experience that prepares our students for success in a rapidly evolving job market.”
DeSoto students will now be able to explore STEM concepts and careers through PLTW Launch at the elementary level, move on to more in-depth discovery of their STEM interests with PLTW Gateway in middle school, and hone the skills needed for college and careers in PLTW Engineering or PLTW Computer Science in high school.
“This partnership highlights the critical connection between business, industry, and education,” PLTW President & CEO Dr. David Dimmett said. “When we work together in this way, students have important opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to for success in school, life, and career.”
Burns & McDonnell – a global construction, architecture, and engineering firm – provides philanthropic support through the Burns & McDonnell Foundation. The company is recognized as a PLTW Transformative Partner, our highest level of partnership. The company has invested $3 million with PLTW since 2022, impacting hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students across the country through the PLTW Grants program.
"Supporting students interested in STEM is about investing in the future,” Burns & McDonnell Chair and CEO Leslie Duke said of the company’s continued investment in PLTW to support schools nationwide. “We know the challenges ahead will require innovative minds and strong solutions, and it is our responsibility to help inspire and prepare the next generation to lead the way."
DeSoto ISD hosted an event to commemorate their grant and the impact it will make for thousands of students year after year. Check out this video from the event and read more about the event here.
