What

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a national (not-for-profit) program designed to increase the number of engineering and technology graduates in the United States.

Why

The number of engineering graduates is declining while the number of engineering and technology job openings is increasing. It has been estimated that 25% of all practicing engineers could currently retire.

Where

PLTW pre-engineering programs are located in over 840 high schools and 275 middle/junior highs in over 43 states. Arkansas has 16 schools in the program from Bentonville to Pine Bluff.

PLTW High School Pre-Engineering Curriculum

Foundation Courses:

Principles of Engineering
Introduction to Engineering Design
Digital Electronics

Specialization Courses:

Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Biotechnical Engineering (in development)
Aerospace Engineering (in development)

Capstone Course:

Engineering Design and Development

ATU College Credit For High School Students

Secondary school students may receive college credit in Arkansas Tech University's Mechanical and Electrical Engineering programs for eligible PLTW courses:

• Introduction to Engineering Design = 2 credits for Engineering Graphics (MCEG 1002)
• Principles of Engineering (POE) = 2 credits for Introduction to Engineering (MCEG 1012 or ELEG 1012)

by completing each PLTW course with an average of "B," by having been enrolled in a PLTW-certified high school, by scoring a 70% or higher on the PLTW college credit exam, and by meeting Arkansas Tech University academic eligibility requirements.

ATU Graduate Credit For High School Teachers

Teachers may receive Arkansas Tech UniversityGraduate Credit for courses offered at the ATUPLTW Summer Training Institute (STI)by earning a passing grade in the PLTW course, enrolling in the graduate program and paying all applicable tuition and fees.

Teacher Training

Beginning in the summer 2005 Arkansas teachers can attend summer training institute on the Arkansas Tech University campus in Russellville.

Affiliate Director

Dr. Wayne Helmer
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR 72801
Email: whelmer@atu.edu

STI Contact

Carla G. Terry
Administrative Specialist III
Arkansas Tech University
1811 North Boulder Ave.
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 964-0877 Fax:
(479) 964-0882
Email: cterry@atu.edu