INDIANAPOLIS (March 25, 2014) – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announces a partnership with Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, to provide support to PLTW Engineering and Gateway programs throughout the state. Weber State joins approximately 50 other colleges, universities, and research institutions providing support for PLTW and its network of over 5,000 schools in the United States. Together, this group of affiliate partners works with PLTW to support and grow PLTW programs, provide training to PLTW teachers, and host annual conferences within their states.
“Project Lead The Way is pleased to welcome Weber State University into our affiliate network,” said PLTW President and CEO Dr. Vince Bertram. “Having a partner in Utah means a great deal for the schools, teachers, and students in the state, and we look forward to partnering with the university to create expanded educational opportunities for students and teachers.”
Weber State University is a public university with over 25,000 students, 250 certificate and undergraduate degree programs, and 11 graduate degree programs in the liberal arts, sciences, technical, and professional fields. It is a dual-mission institution serving as both the community college and university for the Wasatch-North region of Utah. The university works closely with business, industry, and secondary education representatives to support the economic development goals of the region by offering relevant programs in STEM and career-based educational offerings.
“We see ourselves as a critical leader and partner in what we term the K-16 alliance for STEM,” said Dr. David Ferro, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at Weber State University. “The economy demands more STEM educated students, but I would argue that an education in STEM fields is critical for any citizen in our sophisticated society. The University strives to educate and graduate a comprehensively educated individual to the benefit of our nation and the world.”
In addition to supporting PLTW, Weber State University supports a number of other STEM education programs and opportunities for students. It offers concurrent enrollment opportunities to high school juniors and seniors in approved pathway programs and supports programs such as FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad, and a parent/daughter engineering initiative.
Julie Snowball, director of career and technical education and PLTW affiliate director, added: “PLTW is a perfect complement to the educational mission of Weber State University.”
Please join PLTW in welcoming Weber State University to the affiliate partner network.
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About PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is 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.