Project Lead The Way is the nation’s leading provider of rigorous STEM education for elementary, middle and high school students. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study like engineering technology, civil engineering and biomedical science and provides them with a foundation for college and career success in STEM-related fields.
Find fun STEAM activities for all ages on STEM Connect-KC: Explore now
PLTW 2022-23
PLTW in Kansas City
Many area schools participate in PLTW, with availability growing rapidly over the past seven years:
KC Area Districts/Schools Offering PLTW
This list details PLTW offerings by individual schools and is organized by state and then alphabetically.
Real World Learning Experiences for Students
PLTW Capstone Innovation Events & Competitions
KC STEM Alliance’s Senior Capstone Innovation model provides targeted events and awards to inspire PLTW engineering and biomedical science senior capstone students; recognize and reward a job well done; and help students connect with resources and mentors in the business community.
PLTW Civil Engineering & Design Careers Day
Students in PLTW’s Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA) courses can take a closer look at careers in the field during a special day organized by KC STEM Alliance, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Kansas City Section and the Center for Architecture & Design (CAD).
The 2022 Civil Engineering & Design Careers Day will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
Overview
Students will begin the day at the UMKC Student Union with an education and career fair and then launch into the city for site visits with a civil engineering/construction firm or design firm.
The goal is to allow CEA students to engage with several civil engineering disciplines and seven design disciplines, learn the pathways in education to these careers, see current technology being employed in the field and ask questions of professionals currently practicing in these fields:
Civil Engineering Disciplines
1. Structural Engineering
2. Environmental Engineering
3. Geotechnical Engineering
4. Transportation Engineering
5. Water Resources Engineering
6. Site – Civil Engineering
7. Construction Engineering
Design Disciplines
1. Architecture
2. Urban Planning
3. Landscape Architecture
4. Interior Design
5. Industrial Design
6. Graphic Design
7. Experiential Design
For More Information: Contact Teri Kriege, STEM Outreach Consultant
Industry Partner Connections
KC STEM Alliance connects volunteer mentors from the business and entrepreneurial community with PLTW students to provide guidance, insight and resources for their senior capstone projects. These connections give STEM professionals and entrepreneurs a way to give back and help industry partners with workforce development initiatives.
Connect with PLTW Students
KC STEM Alliance provides targeted support for students enrolled in Project Lead The Way, with special attention on activities during the senior year capstone course. Kansas City’s STEM professionals who volunteer and engage with these students make a real difference in their experience. As PLTW enrollment grows, KC STEM Alliance needs more volunteers to support these innovative STEM students, especially this year when in-person events are not available.
Connecting for College and Career Readiness
KC STEM Alliance convenes quarterly meetings with school and district PLTW coordinators, state education representatives, state and national PLTW leadership and others in the STEM learning ecosystem. During these meetings, educators share best practices and receive policy updates, funding opportunities, post-secondary and certification pathway information, career insights and more.
PLTW Teacher Connections
2022-23 plans to be announced
KC STEM Alliance typically offers annual professional development events called Teacher Mentor Days, organized by field of study or grade level. Plans for the 2022-23 academic year are yet to be announced.