Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a national (not-for-profit) program designed to increase the number of engineering and technology graduates in the United States.
The number of engineering graduates is declining while the number of engineering and technology job openings is increasing. It has been estimated that 25% of all practicing engineers could currently retire.
PLTW pre-engineering programs are located in over 840 high schools and 275 middle/junior highs in over 43 states. Arkansas has 16 schools in the program from Bentonville to Pine Bluff.
Foundation Courses:
Principles of Engineering
Introduction to Engineering Design
Digital ElectronicsSpecialization Courses:
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Biotechnical Engineering (in development)
Aerospace Engineering (in development)Capstone Course:
Engineering Design and Development
Secondary school students may receive college credit in Arkansas Tech University's Mechanical and Electrical Engineering programs for eligible PLTW courses:
by completing each PLTW course with an average of "B," by having been enrolled in a PLTW-certified high school, by scoring a 70% or higher on the PLTW college credit exam, and by meeting Arkansas Tech University academic eligibility requirements.
Teachers may receive Arkansas Tech UniversityGraduate Credit for courses offered at the ATUPLTW Summer Training Institute (STI)by earning a passing grade in the PLTW course, enrolling in the graduate program and paying all applicable tuition and fees.
Beginning in the summer 2005 Arkansas teachers can attend summer training institute on the Arkansas Tech University campus in Russellville.
Dr. Wayne Helmer
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR 72801
Email: whelmer@atu.edu
Carla G. Terry
Administrative Specialist III
Arkansas Tech University
1811 North Boulder Ave.
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 964-0877 Fax:
(479) 964-0882
Email: cterry@atu.edu