Project Lead The Way Inc. (PLTW)

A national program forming partnerships among Public Schools, Higher Education Institutions and the Private Sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system. The program is partially funded by Charitable Venture Foundation, a private foundation located in Clifton Park, New York. PLTW has a support staff of experienced technology educators and college and university partners to support schools as they implement PLTW curricula. PLTW has developed a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. It is presently offered in over 1,000 schools in over 46 states in the country and is affiliated with such groups as NASA, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Society of Electrical Engineers, American Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and others.

Gateway to Technology (Middle School Program)

The Gateway to Technology math, science, and technology exploratory program consists of four, 9 week each, independent units taught in grades 6 through 8. Some schools have one unit in the 6th grade, one in the 7th and two or more in the 8th; other schools choose to offer two units (or more) in both the 7th and 8th grades. Each school decides how it wishes to offer a minimum of 4 units in these grades. In most schools, all students participate in the program. The units are as follows:

• Design and Modeling
• The Magic of Electrons
• The Science of Technology
• Automation and Robotics
• Flight and Space

Pre-engineering High School Program

PLTW has developed a four year, flexible sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. The high school courses are:

Foundation Courses:

• Introduction To Engineering Design (Design and Drawing For Production, NYS)
• Digital Electronics
• Principles of Engineering

Specialization Courses:

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• Civil/Architecture Engineering
• Bio-engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

Capstone Course:

• Engineering Design And Development

Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES serves as the New York State Lead Agency for the project. The following is offered to districts:

• State aid on training costs
• National Bid on supplies and equipment
• Assistance to schools in the registration and implementation process
• Assist schools in their certification process
• Assist with PLTW training at the Summer Training Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology