For Immediate Release
INDIANAPOLIS (April 17, 2014) – Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, has been named a top nominee for the 5th annual CLASSY Awards. The CLASSY Awards is the largest social impact awards ceremony in the country, celebrating the greatest champions of social progress. The awards are celebrated in partnership with the United Nations Foundation.
“This is a tremendous honor for Project Lead The Way to be recognized for our impact on students, teachers, and the workforce,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, president and chief executive officer of PLTW. “Our fellow nominees are doing incredible work to make the world a better place, and we are grateful to be nominated alongside of them.”
The comprehensive, year-long awards process began with more than 3,600 organizations worldwide. Organizations were divided into eight categories: Active Duty and Veteran Services, Animal and Wildlife Welfare, Disaster Relief and Public Safety, Education Advancement, Environmental Protection, Health Services, Human Rights and Social Justice, and Poverty and Hunger Relief. PLTW is a finalist in the Education Advancement category.“We are excited to play a part in recognizing some of the most significant achievements in the social sector worldwide,” said Pat Walsh, co-founder of the CLASSY Awards. “These organizations are driving significant progress against our most challenging social issues, and we are honored to share their success.”
The CLASSY Awards Leadership Council is comprised of 100 top leaders and cause experts from around the world, with the Education Advancement Council consisting of Susan Asiyanbi, executive VP of Teach for America; Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org; Lois Backon, head of global philanthropic strategic community partnerships at JPMorgan Chase; Aaron North, VP of education for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Carla Thompson, VP of program strategy for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation; and Ken Weber, executive director of Zynga.org, among others.
The Council will announce the top winner in each category at a ceremony in San Diego on May 3.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the nation’s leading provider of 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 5,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently offering PLTW courses to their students. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
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