Mentone and Akron elementaries receive Project Lead The Way recognition

Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 10:16 AM

By Staff report

Mentone and Akron elementary schools have been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum.

PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.

According to Inga Omondi, TVSC director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, “These programs launch students’ creativity and passion in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and prepare them with the in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive within their own communities and as global citizens."

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, the schools had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2023-24 school year.

Research indicates that students form opinions and develop interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities like designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork abilities and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.

“We are proud to honor Mentone and Akron Elementary for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said PLTW President and CEO Dr. David Dimmett. "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.”

For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition. To learn more about Tippecanoe Valley’s PLTW Launch program, contact Omondi at 574-598-2759.