WHAT IS PLTW

PLTW or Project Lead The Way is a nonprofit program that specializes in preparing today's students for the global economy. The PLTW program is leading the nation in providing STEM curricula to our schools and our students focusing on hands on project based learning that will better prepare our students for our ever changing world.

Here's a link to Iowa's PLTW Home Page. Click on it to find out more about Project Lead The Way.

So...What is STEM?
    STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Though seemingly vague, Iowa and even that Nation (USA) has been making a big push to give these areas of study a greater focus in our schools. Read on to find out why.



STEM Careers are on the rise! 
"The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) released a report in July of 2011 that profiles U.S. employment in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. STEM: Good Jobs Now and for the Future offers a look at workers who are driving our nation’s innovation and competitiveness and helping America win the future with new ideas, new companies and new industries.

In 2010, 7.6 million people or 5.5 percent of the labor force worked in STEM occupations. Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times greater than that of non-STEM jobs, and STEM jobs are expected to continue to grow at a faster rate than other jobs in the coming decade. Meanwhile, STEM workers are also less likely to experience joblessness. 

Further findings show STEM workers command higher wages, earning 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts. STEM degree holders also enjoy higher earnings, regardless of whether they work in STEM or non-STEM occupations. Likewise, college graduates – no matter what their major – enjoy an earnings premium for having a STEM job." (PLTW 1.1 Teacher Overview)


Here's a link to Iowa's STEM Initiative. Click on it to find out more about STEM.