Indianapolis, IN — Phillips 66 and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announced an additional investment of $1 million to support STEM learning for middle school students across the U.S. This continued partnership will further implementation and expansion efforts of PLTW Gateway programs throughout Phillips 66 communities in California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.
Phillips 66 and PLTW partnered in 2023 to provide cutting-edge, real-world STEM curriculum for middle school-level students. Results from a 2024 survey of schools that received grants to implement PLTW courses show 88% of PLTW teachers report their students improved their ability to solve problems and 84% of PLTW teachers report their students have a better understanding of STEM career paths and opportunities because of their experience with PLTW. Through this second-time investment, approximately 11,000 students will have the opportunity to participate in PLTW Gateway programs.
PLTW Gateway empowers middle school students to experience and see a range of STEM pathways and possibilities preparing them for high school-level coursework. Through this continued partnership, Phillips 66 is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW Gateway programs beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
“Partnerships like the one between PLTW and Phillips 66 are crucial for this next generation of learners. Making STEM-related studies and careers more accessible to students across the U.S. is our most important work,” said Dr. David Dimmett PLTW President and CEO. “As a new transformative partner, our highest level of partnership, Phillips 66 is making an investment that will expand opportunities for students while preparing them for school, career, and life.”
Students who complete PLTW Gateway leave the classroom feeling more confident in STEM subjects and solving problems. They begin to build an engineering mindset, learning skills like coding a robot and building their own app. PLTW Gateway transforms the way middle school teachers instruct, with a focus on real-world projects, it sparks a new level of interest and motivation among students to pursue STEM-related careers later in life.
Phillips 66 Manager of Social Impact Courtney Meadows said, “Middle school is the perfect time to inspire students to pursue a STEM pathway. The real-world learning and problem-solving skills students learn from PLTW Gateway are exactly what they need to be leaders in the workforce of the future. Phillips 66’s investment in PLTW is part of our strong commitment to education equity and supporting students so that they achieve success in school and in life.”
PLTW grant and eligibility information can be found at https://www.pltw.org/plan-for-pltw/investment/funding-grants/grant-opportunities
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About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) equips PreK-12 students for a STEM-driven world with teacher-empowered curriculum in computer science, engineering, biomedical science, and more. For over 25 years, PLTW’s curriculum coupled with its best-in-class professional development has supported teachers in creating an environment to make every student STEM successful. As a national nonprofit organization, PLTW is proud to reach 2.5 million students in elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states. With over 100,000 trained teachers nationwide, PLTW brings relevant, hands-on learning to classrooms across the country. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
About Phillips 66
Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
