Heritage High School students will have the opportunity to enroll in a new series of engineering courses over the next three years, thanks to a $35,000 grant by the Dart Foundation.
Earlier this month, Project Lead The Way announced that the school is the recipient of a $35,000 grant to implement the PLTW Engineering program. The program integrates science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts through hands-on, project-based learning, exposing students to real-world learning and preparing them for college and careers.
The selection committee said Heritage High was chosen because "Through its grant application, Heritage High School demonstrated the strong support of its school administration, district, and community partners. Heritage High School's plans for engaging all students in PLTW Engineering, as well as its plan for sustaining the program after the three-year grant ends, contributed to its selection."
"As a funder of STEM education programs, we look for opportunities that encourage science and math learning as well as career exploration," said Trustee Ariane Dart of the Dart Foundation, the charitable arm of the Dart Container Corporation. "Project Lead The Way engages students in these disciplines through curriculum that makes these subjects relevant in the classroom and beyond."
The PLTW Engineering program is designed for students in grades 9-12. At its foundation, the program teaches students to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with one another to find solutions. Through a series of courses, students learn and apply the engineering design process, use industry-leading technology and software, and study topics such as robotics, aerodynamics and astronautics, biological engineering, manufacturing, and digital electronics. Students often have the opportunity to earn college credit, admissions preferences, or scholarships for completed PLTW courses.
"Every student in America deserves access to rigorous, hands-on, relevant STEM education, but we cannot do this work alone," said Project Lead The Way President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Bertram. "The Dart Foundation is a critical partner in this effort, and we are extremely grateful for their support."
The Dart Container Corporation acquired Solo Cup in 2012. The Dart plant in Conyers, formerly the Solo Cup plant, started in 1967 as a Sweetheart Plastics plant and today is still one of the largest employers in the county
The Dart Foundation is a private foundation established in 1984 by William A. and Claire T. Dart. Headquartered in Mason, Mich., its core mission is to advance and encourage youth education, primarily in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to Heritage High School, Urbana High School in Urbana, Ill., will also be receiving a grant.
PLTW is the nation's leading provider of STEM programs, with over 5,000 schools in the U.S. currently offering elementary, middle, or high school programs.
The $35,000 grant will be administered over a three-year period to support costs associated with beginning a new PLTW program, including teacher training, classroom equipment and supplies, as well as the annual participation fee for offering the program.
About PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the nation's leading provider of STEM programs. PLTW's world-class, activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development model, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate partners, help students develop the skills needed to succeed in our global economy. More than 5,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently offering PLTW courses to their students. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
