CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. - Project Lead The Way’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team announced Friday that the organization’s national headquarters and staff are moving to Indianapolis.
“Our move to Indianapolis is a logical step for us as we provide support to over 4,200 schools across the country, including more than 350 middle and high schools in Indiana,” said President and CEO Vince Bertram. “We are excited about the opportunities for PLTW to continue to grow as the nation’s premier STEM education program. We appreciate the efforts of Governor Daniels, Mayor Ballard, Dr. Bennett, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Develop Indy and many other state, business, and philanthropic leaders who have provided the economic and policy support necessary to make this move attractive to our organization.”
Many education and political leaders view PLTW’s project-based learning and the associated outcomes as drivers for local and regional economic development. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Project Lead The Way, Inc. up to $240,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans.
“Nothing is more fundamental to the future success of Indiana than equipping our students with the math and science knowledge they will need to compete for high-tech jobs,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “We are more than thrilled that a nationally-recognized nonprofit like PLTW is choosing Indiana as its new home.”
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is working to create a new national hub for high-quality education reform groups by offering new incentives to move to the city. Develop Indy will support the company's request to the City-County Council for a County Option Income Tax (COIT) refund.
"We are thrilled with the decision of PLTW to relocate to Indianapolis," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "Indianapolis is making bold steps forward in our mission to grow and attract business as well as remain a leader in education reform, and this is proof that the rest of the nation is taking notice."
Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction is a long-time supporter of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
“Project Lead The Way is the nation’s leader in cutting-edge STEM education, and I’m excited they will make Indiana their home-base,” Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said. “This is proof our state’s comprehensive education-reform movement is attracting top-notch organizations and companies that want to take advantage of the quality educational opportunities Indiana has to offer. The outcomes are positive not only for our students but also for our state’s economic vitality.”
While PLTW’s operations and support functions are facilitated through the national headquarters, the PLTW network extends to classrooms and schools in communities throughout the United States. The organization relies on a network of local, state, and regional leaders to ensure the success of student programs. At the core of PLTW’s success are more than 16,000 well-trained and committed teachers.
“The transition for our schools and partners should be seamless,” said Bertram. “While we transition, our number one priority will be our employees and programs.”
Established in 1997 in upstate New York, PLTW provides a comprehensive curriculum for engineering and biomedical sciences to more than 400,000 students nationwide. Reports show that 97 percent of PLTW seniors intend to pursue a four-year degree or higher compared to the national average of 67 percent.