FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS (March 21, 2016) – Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced today a significant partnership that will expand Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) students’ access to high-quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. In celebration of its 50th year of business, Indianapolis-based American Structurepoint is investing $250,000 in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs for IPS. With this partnership, every IPS elementary school, middle school and high school that wants to offer the PLTW programs will have the opportunity.
“Every year our country sees the creation of millions of new jobs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “If we are not doing everything we can to prepare our students for careers in these innovative fields, we are failing them. Today’s announced investment by American Structurepoint is an important first step in providing opportunities like this to all Indianapolis children.”
“We owe our success to the City of Indianapolis. Without the hard work, wisdom and the excellent decisions of countless civic leaders, elected officials and staff over the past 50 years, our community and our company would look very different. There is no more fitting way to say "thank you" than to invest in our youth,” said American Structurepoint President and Chief Operating Officer, Rick Conner.
Through PLTW, students as young as kindergarten will develop foundational knowledge and skills, not only in vital subjects like math and science, but also in the real-world problem solving, creative and critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills that are essential to success. By implementing PLTW programs at the elementary, middle and high school level, IPS will create K-12 pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science that engage students throughout their education, build confidence and ensure that they are college- and career-ready when they graduate.
Through the partnership, teachers who instruct the courses will receive PLTW’s immersive professional development to prepare them to teach PLTW’s hands-on, activity-based courses. In PLTW, teachers act as classroom facilitators and support students in taking ownership of their learning.
"Indianapolis Public Schools is proud to offer a variety of educational opportunities for our students; parents want a wide range of attractive options to choose from," said IPS Superintendent Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. "This remarkable partnership with American Structurepoint and PLTW will allow us to expand our STEM offerings to benefit students across the district and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and leaders in the field of technology."
The partnership begins immediately, and schools will begin offering PLTW at the start of the 2016-17 school year. PLTW and American Structurepoint will work closely with the district to ensure seamless, effective implementation.
“Indianapolis is our national organization’s home, and we could not be more excited to partner with a community-minded company like American Structurepoint and our city’s school system,” said PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vince Bertram.
“Together, we will prepare Indianapolis’s children to be the critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and creators of tomorrow. This is a partnership that will have a lasting impact on Indianapolis.”
American Structurepoint began business in Indianapolis in 1966 and has since grown into a respected multi-discipline architecture and engineering consulting firm recognized for its experienced professionals, quality work, and customer service. Engineering News Record (ENR) has consistently listed the company as a Top 500 Design firm. ENR Midwest named it the No. 1 Indiana design firm and the No. 13 Top Design Firm in the Midwest. Indianapolis Business Journal named American Structurepoint the No. 1 largest engineering firm in 2015. After 50 years of steady growth and with a staff of over 375 experienced professionals, American Structurepoint offers complete consulting and comprehensive design services. For more information, visit www.structurepoint.com.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-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. More than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) strives to be the flagship in innovative urban education, preparing all students to be successful in the global economy. IPS is committed to creating individualized, relationship-based learning opportunities for nearly 30,000 students. As the educational landscape evolves to include more school choice, IPS continues to expand the scope of options available to families. IPS is the pilot district for Indiana's Innovation Network Schools; these autonomous programs operate in partnership with the district to provide a variety of unique educational opportunities for IPS students and families. IPS advocated for state legislation allowing districts to provide more options for families, including Innovation Network Schools and Transformation Zones. IPS’ Transformation Zone schools will serve as the Midwest pilot cohort for Opportunity Culture, a strategic staffing model empowering teachers to take on additional accountability and responsibility while earning a stipend of up to $18,000 above their salary. IPS is proud to provide personalized opportunities for students, and proud to be public! Learn more about IPS by visiting www.myips.org.
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Media Contacts:
Indianapolis Public Schools
Le Boler, Chief Strategist
(317) 226-4414
bolerle@myips.org
American Structurepoint
Julie Kost, Marketing Communications Group Leader
(317) 547-5580
jkost@structurepoint.com
Project Lead The Way
Jennifer Cahill, Sr. Dir. of Media and Public Relations
(317) 669-0871
jcahill@pltw.org