INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 2, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lockheed Martin Corporation and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) have committed 49 new grants totaling $1 million to implement and sustain PLTW programs in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Altogether, the PLTW programs in these 23 high schools and 26 middle schools will provide 47,737 students access to PLTW's rigorous and hands-on STEM curriculum.
Grant money awarded to the 49 schools is made possible by the continued support of Lockheed Martin. Grants will cover the costs associated with implementing a PLTW program, including teacher training at PLTW's annual summer Core Training Institute and program-related expenses such as equipment, materials, and supplies.
"In addition to significant monetary support, we are deeply grateful for Lockheed Martin's national leadership and their investment in building a stronger STEM pipeline by mentoring and providing outstanding educational opportunities for students," said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO.
Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has provided grants and scholarships to PLTW students, supported the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight, and connected Lockheed Martin engineers with students through its "Engineers in the Classroom" initiative.
"At Lockheed Martin, we recognize that a generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are reaching retirement age, and there's a need for a steady pipeline of young talent to replace these important technology positions in the United States," said Emily Simone, Lockheed Martin's director of Global Community Outreach. "We're proud to partner with PLTW to address this national imperative by educating and inspiring students to pursue rewarding careers in STEM-related fields."
Students who study STEM education through PLTW are shown to study engineering and other STEM careers at a rate of five to ten10 times higher than their non-PLTW peers. Introducing students to STEM education is a critical factor in ensuring that America is able to meet the future demand for highly skilled and highly technical workers.
To view the full list of schools that received grants funds, click here.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education curricular programs used in schools. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, PLTW exists to prepare students for the global economy through its world-class curriculum, high-quality professional development, and an engaged network of educators, students, universities and professionals. PLTW's comprehensive curriculum has been collaboratively designed by PLTW teachers, university educators, engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators to promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving skills in students. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they typically do not pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success. More than 4,700 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently offering PLTW courses to their students. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=16440
