Hands-on STEM Grants

Middle Schools Receive Grants for STEM Programs
Posted on 09/23/2019
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Students and teachers at the two middle schools in Carson City (Carson Middle and Eagle Valley Middle Schools) now have access to a curricular program that will give students an advantage in their education and future careers. The opportunity was made possible with the help of Tesla’s K-12 Education Investment Fund, the Nevada Department of Education and Project Lead The Way (PLTW).

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides transformative learning experiences for PreK-12-grade students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science.

Carson Middle and Eagle Valley Middle School will use funds from the grant to expand/start PLTW Gateway programs and help cover annual program fees, teacher professional development and required classroom equipment and materials.

Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the two schools will offer PLTW’s Automation and Robotics unit for middle schools. Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW Gateway empowers students to lead their own discovery and uncover a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.

“Our world is rapidly evolving, and that has serious implications for our students,” said PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Bertram. “We are proud to partner with the Carson City School District to empower students with the transportable knowledge and skills that will help them no matter what career path they choose. Thank you to our generous partners at Tesla and the Nevada Department of Education for making this grant possible.”

Carson Middle and Eagle Valley Middle Schools join more than 11,500 schools across the U.S. in offering PLTW programs to students. The PLTW grant application process is highly competitive for schools. To receive a grant, schools engage in an application process that includes demonstration of the school’s ability to meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria. The requirements include district and community support, teacher professional development, technology acquisitions, a program sustainability plan and many other factors.