Project Lead The Way and NI continue collaboration to drive STEM access to underrepresented and underserved PreK-12 students
INDIANAPOLIS – March 1, 2021 – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) today announced NI (NASDAQ: NATI) as a PLTW “Transformative Partner,” its highest designation of partnership. For more than a decade, NI has worked with PLTW to provide cutting-edge engineering technologies to tens of thousands of students. The two organizations will continue to work together toward a common goal of bringing computer science and engineering education to PreK-12 students who are underrepresented in the technology and engineering talent pipeline.
This announcement follows the February launch of NI’s 2030 Corporate Impact Strategy, “Engineering Hope,” which puts forth a goal to increase access to STEM education among underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students. As part of the launch, NI announced it will grant $400,000 to PLTW over the next four years to support underserved and underrepresented students in Central Texas.
“At NI, we envision a diverse engineering workforce that mirrors that of society,” said Tabitha Upshaw, NI’s head of Corporate Impact. “And when students are able to put theory into practice through project-based learning, we know it is effective. That’s why we are committed to providing technology, expertise and volunteerism to help Project Lead The Way give students, especially girls and students of color, hands-on STEM learning experiences with real-world science and engineering tools.”
NI will support PLTW school grants to implement PLTW Launch (grades PreK-5), PLTW Gateway (grades 6-8), PLTW Engineering (grades 9-12), or PLTW Computer Science (grades 9-12). Grant eligibility focuses on schools in underserved communities impacting underrepresented student populations. PLTW programs provide opportunities for brighter futures for all students by giving access to transformative classroom experiences that support the development of transportable skills critical for college and career success.
“PLTW is excited to continue this important work with NI to unlock the potential of thousands of students by developing in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, president and chief executive officer of PLTW. “We are appreciative for all that NI continues to do to help continue leading the way for America’s students.”
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of 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 12,200 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.
About NI
At NI, we bring together the people, ideas and technology so forward thinkers and creative problem solvers can take on humanity’s biggest challenges. From data and automation to research and validation, we provide the tailored, software-connected systems engineers and enterprises need to Engineer Ambitiously™ every day.
National Instruments, NI, ni.com and Engineer Ambitiously are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
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