INDIANAPOLIS – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announces the University of San Diego (USD) as an affiliate partner to support STEM education in California, a role that designates the university’s commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for students and teachers. USD joins approximately 60 other colleges, universities, and research institutions providing teacher training and support to the network of more than 6,500 schools in the United States. As a PLTW affiliate, USD will provide training to PLTW teachers and host annual conferences for STEM teachers.
“USD is partnering with Project Lead The Way to create a dynamic collaboration with local schools for students to be successful in the biosciences,” said Dr. Paula A. Cordeiro, dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at USD. “Secondary teachers will be invited to the USD campus annually to experience four highly interactive courses that comprise curriculum of the PLTW Biomedical Science program.”
As an affiliate partner, USD is an integral part of the PLTW experience. The university will host required summer training programs for teachers who instruct courses in the PLTW Biomedical Science program, providing a convenient option for teachers in southern California and neighboring states. USD will also participate in annual conferences for school administrators and counselors, as well as provide ongoing support to PLTW schools.
“Successfully preparing students with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy requires that K-12 schools, universities, and employers collaborate to expand high-quality STEM education opportunities in schools, and provide support for classroom teachers,” said PLTW President and CEO Dr. Vince Bertram. “That’s why we are excited about the amazing growth of PLTW in California, and are pleased to welcome the University of San Diego to the PLTW network of university affiliates.”
USD is a strong advocate for STEM education and currently offers a Master of Education in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). USD sees partnering with PLTW as a way to extend its efforts to support and further develop STEM teachers.
In addition to offering a fully online STEAM education master’s degree, USD also provides professional development for teachers in many subject areas and offers more than 500 professional development courses for teachers every year.
STEM education is critical to the future of our country and economy, and USD looks forward to helping teachers support their students discover the creativity and excitement that the world of innovation, science, and technology offers.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the nation’s leading provider of K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (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 6,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia currently offer PLTW courses to their students. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
About the University of San Diego
The University of San Diego is a Catholic institution of higher learning committed to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and the creation of ethical leaders. Chartered in 1949, the university enrolls approximately 8,300 undergraduate and graduate full-time equivalent students. The University of San Diego has a long history of public service and is recognized as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U, the global association of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. The university’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, The School of Business Administration, The Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, The School of Law, The School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education.