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District Contact: Jenni Norlin-Weaver |
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Media Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Edina Public Schools’ Project Lead The Way program receives Edina, Minn., Jan. 22, 2010 – Edina Public Schools (EPS) is proud to announce that it has received a $20,000 grant from the Kern Family Foundation to expand the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Tech Ed program at Edina High School (EHS). PLTW certified teachers Peter Grimm, Fred Mutchler, and Jason Carr applied for the grant, which was accepted last week. Last month, Edina’s PLTW program was certified for the first time to offer college credits to students who complete the coursework. “The generous funding we received from the Kern Family Foundation will ensure that we have the funds to properly train teachers as we add courses to the Edina Project Lead The Way program, said Grimm. “The funds will also help pay for the startup costs as we purchase the necessary equipment for each new course.” As part of PLTW’s mission of preparing American students to become the most innovative and productive in the world, the grant money will go toward courses focusing on technological application and problem solving in the fields of engineering technology, science, and math. “The Kern funding is crucial to the development of our growing Project Lead The Way program,” said Mutchler. “The ability to offer the high school courses means more opportunities for our students and, at the same time, supports the District’s mission of building knowledgeable and skillful graduates ready for a lifetime of learning.” Over the next three to four years, EPS plans to use the grant funds to engage more middle and high school students in innovation, imagination, and critical thinking. The PLTW curriculum will feature classes in engineering design, principals of engineering, civil engineering and architecture and digital electrons being made available for students within the District. The hope is that early nurturing will encourage students to pursue careers in the badly needed fields of math and sciences. PLTW is a national organization that prepares students to be the most innovative and productive leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to make meaningful, pioneering contributions to our world. EPS offered PLTW classes for the first time during the 2008-2009 school year. There are currently more than 1,300 students involved in PLTW classes in Edina, and the program is growing at a rapid rate. The Kern Family Foundation’s mission includes promoting educational excellence as well as high quality, innovative engineering talent to enrich lives. The founders, Dr. Robert D. and Dr. Patricia E Kern have a strong commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, which opens so many doors for students to become productive citizens in a technology-driven world. About Edina Public Schools: ###  |
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