INDIANAPOLIS – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announced today that John Deere is the newest PLTW Transformative Partner, which is the highest designation of partnership with PLTW. This partnership exemplifies John Deere’s commitment to education through innovation and dynamic opportunities for the next generation. PLTW made the announcement at PLTW Summit Indianapolis in front of more than 1,000 guests.
“We are pleased to support Project Lead The Way in bringing world-class career learning programs to the schools in communities where our employees live and work,” said Mara Downing, John Deere’s vice president, brand management and corporate communications, and John Deere Foundation president. “PLTW aligns with our desire to help students reach their potential by opening their eyes to career opportunities and preparing them with the knowledge and skill necessary to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Since 2012, John Deere has provided $1.3 million to expand access to PLTW programs for more than 55,000 students in California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. In PLTW programs, students engage in hands-on, collaborative problem-solving focused on real-world challenges.
John Deere, in partnership with Chevron, also sponsors the PLTW Engineering Design Competition. This competition is an opportunity for PLTW students in grades 9-12 to apply what they have learned through PLTW to address real-world business challenges. The top three teams win prizes for their schools and the team members.
“Providing students with access to relevant career learning opportunities, especially at an early age, is absolutely critical to the future vitality of our communities and our nation,” said PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vince Bertram. “John Deere is a tremendous advocate and partner in this effort. Their continued commitment is admirable, and we are proud to have John Deere as a PLTW Transformative Partner.”
John Deere joins some of our nation’s top companies as a PLTW Transformative Partner, including Autodesk, Chevron, Kern Family Foundation, Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and Verizon. For more information on PLTW partners and partnership opportunities, visit www.pltw.org/our-partners.
About John Deere John Deere has delivered products and services to support those linked to the land since 1837. More information about John Deere is available at www.deere.com.
About Project Lead The Way 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, pltw.org.
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