Engineering Alliance (EA) was developed at the request of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teachers, and state career and technical education leaders. Both saw the need for a program that incorporated student competitions and leadership in the PLTW curriculum. Competition is a strong motivator for students. The EA program will encourage them to apply STEM learning in an exciting competitive atmosphere. It instills learning concepts in a unique way that the everyday classroom curriculum does not.
Engineering Alliance gives PLTW students the opportunities to participate in competitions and leadership activities based on the skills and knowledge gained through the curriculum. All activities are aligned with the existing PLTW curriculum. The national program is provided on a school-year basis and is accessible through a web-based format.
PLTW recognizes the value that competition and leadership play in engaging students and highly recommends that its network of schools participate in the Engineering Alliance program. EA is a collaboration of the Technology Student Association (TSA) and SkillsUSA to serve PLTW teachers and students. Schools participating in Engineering Alliance may also choose to have TSA or SkillsUSA chapters.