Project Lead the Way is a nationwide, non-profit provider of STEM curricular programs for middle and high schools.  It focuses on hands-on classroom activities supplemented by mentorships with STEM professionals and workplace experiences in local industry.  The PLTW curriculum is provided free of charge to participating schools, is endorsed by the Massachusetts Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, and is aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.  Harvard’s Graduate School of Education calls it a “model for 21st century career and technical education.”

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), the Massachusetts affiliate university for PLTW, certifies and supports PLTW schools, provides summer professional development, and hosts conferences, including the Massachusetts PLTW Conference, to be held on October 24, 8:30AM-2:30PM, for school counselors, curriculum specialists, principals, teachers, district administrators, and interested business and industry professionals.  Conference details will be posted at www.wpi.edu/+pltw by late September.  For more information, contact WPI PLTW Program Manager Terry Adams (tadams@wpi.edu, 508-831-5198).