Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City

Overview

Project Lead the Way (PLTW, a not-for-profit organization) introduces young people to the field of engineering. Students engage in real-world projects, similar to those professional engineers experience.

Coursework is hands-on, making math and science relevant and giving students a true understanding of how the skills they learn in school relates to everyday life. Students experience rigorous coursework, and hopefully, the industry benefits with a future generation of engineers.

PLTW students put their math and science skills to the test starting in middle school and continuing throughout high school. By combining the four-year pre-engineering curriculum with college preparatory math and science courses, students are equipped with the tools they need for college as well as engineering careers.

• Combines problem-solving, teamwork and project-based learning
• Provides hands-on activities that engage learners and bridge the gap between school and career
• Partners with schools, higher education institutions and the private sector

PLTW is offered in nearly 3000 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It is affiliated with: NASA, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Society of Electrical Engineers and the American Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Project Lead the Way Formula for Success:

Four years of pre-engineering or bio medical courses.

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College prep in math and science.

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College

Mission:

PLTW works to create dynamic partnerships with schools to prepare an increasing and more diverse group of students to be successful in engineering and engineering technology programs.

PLTW Kansas City:

• Targets schools in the entire Kansas City metro area
• Provides school districts with small grants to offset costs
• Connects schools with businesses, higher education and the community
• Coordinated by the KC STEM Alliance, an independent initiative housed within the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering

For the 2010-2011 school year 51 local high schools and 16 middle schools are teaching the four-year sequence of courses giving students exposure to real world problem-solving and critical thinking. Currently more than 9000 students are enrolled in classes in the metro area.

It’s a win-win situation. Students become better prepared academically for their futures. The community has the opportunity to support the school and interact with young people. The industry benefits with a promising future filled with new and better skilled engineering professionals.

The KC STEM Alliance, an independent program within the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Computing and Engineering, serves as local coordinator and supports schools and school districts with funding, technical assistance, educator orientation and documentation of data and outcomes.