See How PLTW Students Are Creating Real-World Impact
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders—and they’re already making a difference. Across the country, PLTW students are using their knowledge, creativity, and passion to drive real change in their communities.
Middle School Winning Project: THERAPEUTIC TOY
Young Audiences Charter School
Gretna, Louisiana
Sixth-grade students from Young Audiences Charter School in Louisiana made a meaningful impact with their project, “Therapeutic Toy,” by designing therapeutic toys to support children with developmental disorders. Guided by PLTW teacher Ralph Alvarado, these PLTW Design and Modeling students partnered with the Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development and collaborated with healthcare professionals to create toys that help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and range of motion. Their continued partnership is making a meaningful difference in their community.
High School Winning Project: LIGHTING THE WAY: MIDDLE SCHOOL OUTREACH
Aiken County Career and Technology Center
Warrenville, South Carolina
Students from Aiken County Career and Technology Center in South Carolina brought career-connected learning to life through their project, “Lighting the Way: Middle School Outreach,” a student-led microscopy program that reached 500 middle school students in their community. Guided by PLTW teacher Christie Palladino, the PLTW Biomedical Science students used their own microscopy skills to teach younger learners how to prepare hair sample slides, use light microscopes, and identify the layers of a human hair shaft. Their outreach is helping students build scientific skills, confidence, and interest in STEM careers while showing how PLTW students can inspire learning beyond their own classrooms.
