Each day, students in PLTW classrooms explore many different STEM-related careers and the real-life challenges faced by those professionals, sparking an interest in future STEM careers. This includes jobs in the manufacturing sector from process engineer to weld engineer and quality supervisor to continuous improvement manager and much more.
In celebration of Manufacturing Day on Oct. 4, we would like to highlight just a few of our manufacturing-sector partners. For a complete list of PLTW partners, visit our partners list.
Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW since 2021, increasing student access to PLTW programs in Ardagh communities through support of the PLTW Grants program. To date, the company has invested over $10 million to enable over 400 schools to implement or expand PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, or PLTW Engineering. Through these investments, the company has supported training for more than 1,100 teachers who in turn have reached more than 149,000 students. In addition, the company has worked with PLTW to establish a robust community engagement program designed to connect Ardagh-supported PLTW classrooms to the Ardagh manufacturing facilities in their communities.
“Through PLTW, Ardagh is investing in communities across the U.S. where our employees live and work,” Ardagh’s Sean Cosgrove, Global Head of Education Programs said. “We are engaging our employees with PLTW students to highlight the many great career opportunities locally available to them in manufacturing…it’s critical that we inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent through both high-quality STEM education and real-world experiences such as facility tours, hands-on manufacturing exercises, and work experiences such as internships.”
J.M. Huber Corporation has supported PLTW since 2022 through the company’s Huber Helps initiative, investing $750,000 in the PLTW Grants program to bring PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, or PLTW Engineering to schools in Huber communities across the country. Students at 32 schools have benefitted from this partnership to date.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Project Lead The Way to bring high quality STEM education to children who live in communities where Huber operates,” said Lea Volpe, VP of Communications & Community Relations at Huber. “As a multi-generational family-owned manufacturing company, we take immense pride in supporting the communities where we operate and preparing children to consider future career paths in the manufacturing industry.”
Since 2012, the John Deere Foundation has supported 310 PLTW programs across the U.S. through grants totaling $4.3 million, positively impacting PreK-12 students and teachers in 22 John Deere home communities. Due to John Deere Foundation’s generous support, more than 1,380 teachers have participated in PLTW’s in-depth, collaborative professional development training to inspire students. John Deere employees have also donated their time and expertise through participation in PLTW virtual and in-person events, blogs, and curricular advisory panels.
“At John Deere, we believe that innovation is a key to overcome the challenges our world faces and improve the quality of life for everyone,” John Deere’s Global Program Director for Youth Education Pat Barnes said. “To achieve world-changing innovations, we must first empower youth to engage science, technology, engineering, and math with their hands, minds, and hearts. Project Lead The Way provides such rich engagement, and in so doing inspires the next generation of innovators.”
onsemi partnered with PLTW in 2023 through the ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program. In its first year of partnership, the company has supported grants for middle schools in onsemi communities to implement or expand the PLTW Gateway program. onsemi is focused on increasing diversity in STEM fields while increasing middle school students’ awareness of semiconductor technology.
“At onsemi, we are committed to increasing access to quality STEM education for young women and underserved populations,” onsemi’s Global Community Engagement Program Manager Vanessa Davis said. “By supporting initiatives like Project Lead The Way, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators with the skills needed to thrive in semiconductor and manufacturing careers. Educating students about these fields is crucial for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that will drive future technological advancements.”