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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.

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 2023 Civil Engineering & Design Careers Day took place in October.

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

PLTW Teacher Connections

2023-24 schedule

KC STEM Alliance typically offers annual professional development events called Teacher Mentor Days, organized by field of study or grade level. The 2023-24 academic year plans:

  • PLTW Biomedical Sciences Teacher Mentor Day took place Oct. 24, 2023, at the Linda Hall Library. See a photo recap.
  • PLTW Engineering Teacher Mentor Day will take place Feb. 1, 2024. Watch your email for details or contact us for more information.
  • Computer Science Teacher Mentor Day will take place in mid- to late February, 2024. Watch your email for details or contact us for more information.

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.