The Joseph Sears School Receives National Recognition from Project Lead The Way for Commitment to Student Achievement.

Named a distinguished school for excellence in STEM education and preparing students for future careers.

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The Joseph Sears School announced today that it has been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway, a grade 5-8 STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers. 

 

“This award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, Allison Drew, Margo Parkes, and our Chief Operating Officer, Nate McBride. Project Lead the Way is an exceptional program that allows our students to have hands-on experiences while gaining important skills such as communication, creativity, and collaboration. This class is unlike any at Joseph Sears,” Superintendent Kate Donegan said.

 

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, The Joseph Sears School had to meet a variety of criteria, such as the percentage of students participating in PLTW, the percentage of students who participate in more than one PLTW unit, the number of PLTW units offered, and efforts to ensure access to PLTW courses.

 

Research shows that the middle grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school, college, and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with access to relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences that expose the range of career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics system or exploring aerospace by creating designs and prototypes, PLTW Gateway students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop confidence in STEM subjects.

 

“We are proud to honor The Joseph Sears School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO." This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”

 

The Joseph Sears School is part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, click here.