PLTW

High School

What is PLTW?

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides transformative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programs. PLTW empowers students from elementary through high school with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for college and careers in STEM fields. PLTW programs empower students to become the problem solvers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.

Visit PLTW's Official Website

Leading the way in STEAM.

PLTW’s curriculum is designed to engage students in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration through immersive, hands-on projects. By applying STEAM concepts in practical ways, students develop essential skills for success in the 21st century. Key benefits include:

Increases student engagement and interest in STEAM fields

Encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving

Provides an industry-relevant learning experience

Aligns with career and technical education (CTE) pathways

Prepares students for college and future careers in engineering and computer science

Certifications & AP recognition: We are a Distinguished PLTW earner yearly since 2021.

PLTW Engineering Pathway

This series empowers students to explore real-world challenges in engineering, design, and problem-solving.

Introduction to Engineering Design

Students are introduced to the world of engineering through hands-on challenges, 3D modeling, and design thinking. Using industry-standard CAD software, students tackle problems, collaborate in teams, and present solutions.

The major focus of the Introduction to Engineering course is to expose students to design processes, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems.

This course launches the PLTW Engineering Pathway, connecting students to future careers in aerospace, robotics, architecture, and product design.

Principles of Engineering

Students are introduced to major concepts like mechanical design, application of robotics, energy, and designing infrastructure.

Through hands-on learning that mirrors industry practice, students use research and design thinking to improve engineering solutions.

Aerospace Engineering (AE)

Students explore the evolution of flight, navigation, and control, covering aerodynamics, propulsion, and space systems while designing and testing aerospace technologies.

Participants gain knowledge throughout the course, up until they give a final presentation about the future of the industry and their professional goals.

Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA)

Students are introduced to important aspects of residential and commercial building, site design, and development. Using activity-project-problem-based learning, students will progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects.

Participants will also plan and build 3D-modeled structures, simulating careers in urban design and construction engineering.

PLTW Capstone (12th grade)

In this open-ended research course, students collaborate on a team project to research, prototype, and defend an original solution to a real-world problem. Teams draw on the knowledge, skills, and interests of each member as they perform research to select, define, and justify a problem.

Given this collaboration, team members leave the course with a broadened skillset and an appreciation for learning from their peers.

After carefully defining the design requirements and creating multiple solution approaches, student teams select an approach, create, and test or model their solution prototype. As they progress through the problem-solving process, students work closely with experts and continually hone their organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, creative and problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of the integration of processes such as the design process, experimental design, and the software development process.

After the course, teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. This final-year experience simulates the work of a design firm, startup, or lab research team.

PLTW Computer Science Pathway

This series develops students’ skills in coding, cybersecurity, and app development, preparing them for tech-driven careers.

Computer Science Principles

Through Python® and computational thinking, students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet.

Throughout this course, students will code real apps, design data visualizations, and explore cybersecurity, privacy, and the digital future.

Cybersecurity

Designed to expose high school students to the ever-growing and far-reaching field of cybersecurity, students analyze network vulnerabilities, simulate cyber threats, and explore ethical hacking.

Rooted in NIST and CSTA standards, this course prepares students for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields.

Digital Electronics

Students dive into circuit design, logic systems, and programmable devices — learning the electrical backbone behind aerospace tech and robotics.

Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, computers, digital cameras, HD television, etc.

This course focuses on the study of digital electronic theories, circuits, and devices that are used to process and control digital signals to do work for us.

PLTW Capstone (12th grade)

In this open-ended research course, students collaborate on a team project to research, prototype, and defend an original solution to a real-world problem. Teams draw on the knowledge, skills, and interests of each member as they perform research to select, define, and justify a problem.

Given this collaboration, team members leave the course with a broadened skillset and an appreciation for learning from their peers.

After carefully defining the design requirements and creating multiple solution approaches, student teams select an approach, create, and test or model their solution prototype. As they progress through the problem-solving process, students work closely with experts and continually hone their organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, creative and problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of the integration of processes such as the design process, experimental design, and the software development process.

After the course, teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. This final-year experience simulates the work of a design firm, startup, or lab research team.