Project Lead the Way (PLTW) - Pathway to STEM is a program of four challenging courses in grades 9-12 that use project-based, hands-on experience to teach students the key elements and skills of engineering and technology-based careers by immersing them in rigorous coursework, advanced learning technology and opportunities to master the skills of the future. The goal of PLTW is to increase the number and diversity of engineering graduates by allowing them to experience pre-engineering curriculum and concepts while in high school.
The requirements of the program include successful completion of the PLTW courses, Introduction to Engineering Design, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Principles of Engineering and the capstone course, Engineering Design and Development. Students also must take four years of science, and at least four years of mathematics at the high school level Three years of a foreign language is encouraged. Students in the program who meet these requirements will also graduate as an Engineering Scholar.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academic and Career Pathway prepare students to enter any of these four fields. Higher-education, community and business partners will provide hands-on learning opportunities. Students will have the chance to earn college credit and industry certificates, and they will learn about career and college options while in high school.
Why STEM?
On average, students who study engineering or technology in college are happier with their career options upon graduation than students with other majors. Furthermore, in this computer age, when almost any information can be obtained with a mere click of a button, students that graduate with a solid understanding of technology are more likely to perform well in any career or field of study.
Students who pursue the STEM Pathway and work hard will graduate with an impressive record that will make them competitive applicants at a number of colleges and universities.
With the ever-expanding importance of computers, alternative energy and research physics, the fields of science, technology, engineering and math are some of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Here are just a few of the future career options for students who decide to pursue this pathway:
· Aerospace Engineer
· Biomedical Engineer
· Architect
· Information Technology Specialist
· Chemical or Industrial Engineer
· Civil Engineer
· Software Developer or Computer Programmer
· Electrical Engineer
· Mathematician or Cryptographer
· Physicist
· Robotic Engineer
· Environmental Engineer
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) -Biomedical Science sequence has rigorous and relevant four-courses which allow students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students engage in activities like investigating the death of a fictional person to learn content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease; all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future. The goal of PLTW is to increase the number and diversity of Biomedical Science graduates by allowing them to experience pre-biomedical science curriculum and concepts while in high school. The requirements of the program include successful completion of the PLTW courses, Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions and the capstone course, Biomedical Innovation. Students also must take four years of science, and at least four years of mathematics at the high school level. Three years of a foreign language is encouraged. Students in the program who meet these requirements will also graduate as a Biomedical Scholar.
The BIomedical Pathway prepares students for jobs and further studies in the healthcare field, including medicine, nursing, pharmacology, healthcare management and physical therapy.
Students in the Health Sciences Pathway will graduate with an impressive record and a solid foundation that prepares them to apply to a variety of colleges or universities that provide medical school, nursing school or another health sciences programs.
A broad range of career and academic opportunities is available to students who are interested in the field of health sciences. These careers include, but are not limited to:
· Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
· Emergency Medical Technician
· Pharmacy Technician
· Physician
· Physician Assistant
· Research Scientist
· Biotechnologist
· Optometrist
· Dentist
· Pediatrician
· Surgeon
· Hospital Administrator
The Business Pathway prepares students for a post secondary education or career in business administration, finance, marketing or entrepreneurship. Whether students want to open their own business, work in a corporate environment or strategically manage their personal finances, participation in the Business Pathway will give them a head start in becoming successful, 21st century citizens. Business Pathway students start by learning the basics of finances, the stock market and entrepreneurship, so no matter where they end up, they will be wielding the financial savvy of a businessperson.
Students who study business have some of the broadest career options, and after college they can go on to work at a corporation, non-profit organization or the government. If they are interested in business administration, they can pursue an M.B.A. after they earn their undergraduate degree to build their credentials even further.
When all is said and done, the majority of employed workers in the United States work for a business. So for students who choose to study business, the sky is the limit when it comes to possible career paths.
Possible options include, but are not limited to:
· Accountant
· Marketing Manager
· Economist
· Financial Analyst
· Administrative or Executive Assistant
· Entrepreneur
· Stock Broker
· Small Business Manager
· Market Researcher
· Systems Analyst
· Business Consultant
· Salesperson
· Customer Service Specialist