Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
Project Lead The Way 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.
PLTW partners with middle schools and high schools to provide a rigorous, relevant STEM education. Through an engaging, hands-on curriculum, PLTW encourages the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creative and innovative reasoning, and a love of learning.
The PLTW middle and high school STEM education programs give students a brighter future by providing them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success in STEM-related fields.
STEM education is at the heart of today’s high-tech, high-skill global economy. For America to remain economically competitive, our next generation of leaders must develop the critical-reasoning and problem-solving skills that will help make them the most productive in the world. PLTW sparks the ingenuity, creativity, and innovation within all of our students.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is the only non-profit student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in technology. Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over 150,000 middle and high school students in 2,000 schools spanning 48 states. TSA is supported by educators, parents and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically-literate society.
TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests. Together, chapter members work on competitive events, attend conferences on the state and national levels and have a good time raising funds to get there. Chapter organization develops leadership, as members may become officers within their state and then run nationally. Chapters are committed to a national service project and are among the most service-oriented groups in the community.
The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit student organization serving over 300,000 student and professional members in all 50 states and three U.S. territories. Members are enrolled in trade, technical and skilled service professions, including health occupations.
SkillsUSA is an integral part of instructional programs, provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development and supports academic and skill instruction. It is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. We help each student excel.
SkillsUSA is made up of more than 14,000 member classrooms in high schools, career and technical education centers and two- and four-year colleges. SkillsUSA complements technical skills training with instruction in the employability skills that make for a well-rounded worker and citizen.
SkillsUSA activities foster the development of creativity, problem-solving skills, self-esteem and integrity. Students are introduced to the corporate quality culture, which emphasizes the dignity of work, high standards in trade ethics and workmanship, lifelong learning and job safety. Community service, patriotism and an understanding of the free enterprise system are also core elements of a SkillsUSA education.