Middleborough Public Schools Receives STEM Career Pathway Capacity Grants
Project Lead The Way programs provide hands-on, project-based learning and in-depth teacher professional development
Middleborough, MA. – Middleborough Public Schools would like to announce that it has received three grants to offer new curricular programs from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) that will better prepare students for career success. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science. Middleborough High School, Henry B. Burkland Elementary, and Mary K. Goode Elementary join more than 11,500 schools across the country in offering PLTW programs to millions of students.
Middleborough High School, Henry B. Burkland Elementary, and Mary K. Goode Elementary are just three of 58 schools across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to receive the grant, which is supported by the Administration of Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub.
“Engaging our students throughout their K-12 school years with hands-on lessons in science, engineering, computer science, technology and math will prepare them for success after high school and strengthen the Massachusetts workforce,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, who co-chairs the STEM Advisory Council.
Middleborough High School is adding the Computer Science pathway to their current program of studies along with the Biomedical Science and Engineering programs. The Principal of Middleborough High School, Paul Branagan, referred to the program as a catalyst for the transformation of our computer technology program. “It is with great excitement to add another Project Lead the Way pathway to our programming at the high school. The addition of the Computer Science pathway will be the catalyst for the transformation of our computer technology program. The ability to engage students in a highly rigorous, engaging and hands-on learning experience in Computer Science is something that we have been working very hard to bring to life for our students. With the inclusion of the Computer Science Pathway, our students will be engage in technology like never before. Adding the Project Lead the Way pathways is an integral step in our work to evolve teaching and learning in preparation for our new high school.”
Middleborough’s two grades 1-5 elementary schools are receiving the grant to implement the PLTW Launch curriculum. Derek Thompson, Principal of the Henry B. Burkland School, said “I am very excited about receiving the grant. I think the PLTW Launch curriculum is going to make a big difference in what we are doing in the area of STEM. It will not only help us in the here and now through increased student engagement, but will also help students acquire skills that they will be able to carry with them for future success.” Mary K. Goode Principal Lisa Grimes shared that this new program will further motivate students in the classroom when she stated that. “This will allow all students to experience engaging-hands on STEM activities and problem solving that are aligned to real-world experiences. The PLTW Launch curriculum will empower our students with the skills to solve problems that require critical thinking, collaboration and perseverance, all of which are critical for future success.”
Funds from these grants will support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in the hands-on, activity-, project-, and problem-based courses.
“We are proud to partner with Middleborough High School, Henry B. Burkland Elementary, and Mary K. Goode Elementary to empower students to develop the in-demand knowledge and transportable skills to thrive in our evolving world,” said Vince Bertram, PLTW president and CEO. “Thank you to the Governor’s Office, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub for making these grants possible and further investing in Massachusetts’ students.”
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 11,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
To learn more about the current Lead the Way Program
at Middleborough High School watch the video below.
