Wisconsin students from 20 middle and high schools presented their science and technology projects during the “Project Lead the Way” legislative day in the Capitol. The April 28 event was co-hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council.

Project Leader the Way furthers the education of thousands of Wisconsin students while also addressing the state’s need for a workforce with greater technical proficiency.

“Legislators saw the fascinating things that Project Lead the Way students are enjoying as they blend science, technology, engineering, and math concepts,” said Van Walling, executive director of Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee. “Wisconsin legislators have supported PLTW for many years and have authorized funding that has helped fuel the expansion of the program to 161 schools in the state. We were excited to thank them in person.”

During a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda, UW System President Kevin Reilly and UW Colleges and Extension Chancellor David Wilson were honored for their work in making additional PLTW courses eligible for science admissions credits within the UW System.

Allen Phelps, director of the Center on Education and Work at UW-Madison, unveiled research that suggested PLTW can directly contribute to higher ACT scores and improved attendance rates for high school students.

A curriculum and professional development model provided to more than 20,000 Wisconsin students, PLTW helps teachers and students apply academic engineering and technology concepts in compelling, real-world ways. The program’s framework facilitates student understanding of the potential for careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), areas that expect a 15 million engineer and technical worker shortage (according to U.S. government estimates) by the year 2015.

The Wisconsin Technology Council recently issued a report on the importance of STEM education in Wisconsin. Click here to learn more.

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