INDIANAPOLIS (April 29, 2015) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is expanding its affiliate role with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to the school’s Prescott, Ariz., campus, which will support PLTW programs in Arizona and neighboring states. Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach, Fla., campus became a PLTW affiliate in October 2013.
As an affiliate university in Arizona, Embry-Riddle will host summer professional development training programs for PLTW Gateway teachers, participate in annual conferences for school administrators and counselors, and provide ongoing support to PLTW schools in Arizona.
“The work of exciting and engaging students in STEM education would not be possible without the support of our affiliate partners,” said Vince Bertram, CEO and president of Project Lead The Way. “That’s why we are very happy to welcome the added support of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.”
Dr. Ron Madler, dean of the College of Engineering for the Prescott Campus, said he wants the partnership to reinforce that Embry-Riddle is a premier teaching institution that supports the expansion of STEM education as a way to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.
“As an engineering educator, I strongly believe that engineering is the pathway to a better standard of living for our society and world,” Madler said. “It is a great way to motivate young people to see that the application of science, technology, and mathematics for the benefit of humanity is really through engineering. This partnership will help because we can assist in the training of the teachers who really are the most important influencers to encourage K-12 students to go into the STEM fields.”
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the nation’s leading provider of K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. PLTW’s world-class, activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development model, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate partners, help students develop the skills needed to succeed in our global economy. More than 6,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia currently offer PLTW courses to their students. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a nonprofit, independent institution offering more than 75 baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Aviation, Business, Engineering and Security & Intelligence. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and through online programs. The university is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu, follow us on Twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity, and find expert videos at YouTube.com/EmbryRiddleUniv.