AP + PLTW: Preparing Students for College and Careers
AP + PLTW: Partnering to Create More Opportunities for Students
To help prepare all students for the global workforce, the College Board and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) have partnered on a program to encourage student participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses and build their interest in STEM degrees and careers. The program leverages the success of the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) and Project Lead The Way’s applied learning programs.
The program has three elements:
- College and career pathways that connect AP and PLTW courses
- Recognition for students who participate in the pathways, and recognition for schools
- A portfolio of career-focused opportunities for students
Get Students on the Path
The first element of the program is a set of college and career pathways in three fields – engineering, biomedical science, and computer science – that incorporate both AP and PLTW courses. Your school can connect its existing AP and PLTW courses or add AP or PLTW courses, or both. Schools design their own pathways that best meet the needs of the school and its students.
Each pathway emphasizes applied learning and consists of three components:
- PLTW courses designed to introduce all students to the field
- AP courses and exams that provide an opportunity for advanced placement and/or college credit
- PLTW specialization courses that focus on knowledge and skills needed for rewarding careers
The table below shows the menu of courses that schools can combine to create pathways.
Explore the Pathway Menu of Courses
| Level | Engineering | Biomedical Science | Computer Science |
| College – AP courses |
AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Computer Science Principles AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Statistics |
AP Biology AP Chemistry |
AP Computer Science Principles AP Computer Science A |
| Career – PLTW courses |
Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering Architecture Computer Integrated Manufacturing Digital Electronics Environmental Sustainability |
Principles of Biomedical Science Human Body Systems Medical Interventions |
Computer Science Essentials Cybersecurity (Fall 2018) |
Get Student Recognition
The second element of the program is recognition for students.
Student Recognition
Students who complete the requirements of their chosen pathway earn the AP + PLTW student recognition, a qualification that demonstrates to colleges and employers that the student is ready for advanced course work and interested in careers in this discipline.
To earn the recognition, the student must satisfactorily complete three courses in the pathway – one AP course; one PLTW course; and a third course, either AP or PLTW – and earn a qualifying score of 3 or higher on the AP Exam(s) and a score of Proficient or higher on the PLTW End of Course (EoC) assessment(s).
Get Students Opportunities
The College Board and Project Lead The Way are developing a portfolio of career-focused opportunities that will allow students to pursue work-based learning with leading industry partners. Opportunities may include industry-based internships, scholarships for two- or four-year degree completion, or priority interviews for students with the credential. More details will be available soon.
About AP
The College Board’s AP Program enables students to take college-level courses and exams – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both – while still in high school. Learn how AP can benefit your students and see detailed information on planning and establishing an AP program in your school. Teachers can share the AP Students website with students interested in exploring AP.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way is a nonprofit organization that provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. Through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, students learn problem-solving strategies, critical and creative thinking, and how to communicate and collaborate. We are shaping the innovators, creators, and designers of today and tomorrow.