Lakeland Primary and Lakeland Intermediate have been recognized as a “Distinguished Launch School” for PLTW (Project Lead the Way). Lakeland Jr./Sr. High earned the designation of “Distinguished High School,” and the Corporation was awarded as a “Distinguished District.” The PLTW website states: “PLTW Distinguished Program Recognition celebrates districts and schools committed to helping students own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs.”
The PLTW website explains the differences between the awards: “There are two categories for PLTW Distinguished Program Recognition: PLTW Distinguished District and PLTW Distinguished School. For this recognition, we define 'district' as all K-12 schools within a school system comprising two or more individual schools. Schools may earn the school-level designation for programs based on grade bands: PLTW Launch (K5), PLTW Gateway (6-8), and PLTW High School (9-12).”
Through PLTW coursework, students are empowered to engage in problem-solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge, build communication skills, and explore a range of career opportunities. Students with earlier access to STEM education and concepts are more likely to pursue a career in that field. PLTW’s activity, project, and problem-based instructional design centers on real-world activities, problems, and projects that help students connect their classroom learning to its application in everyday life. To qualify for this honor, Lakeland must have had at least 20% of students in each grade, K-12, participate in a PLTW program during the 2023-24 school year, or ensured that every school in the district earned the 2023-24 PLTW Distinguished School award.
“We are proud to honor Lakeland School Corporation for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”