Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers a dynamic high school program that provides students with real-world learning and hands-on experience. Students interested in engineering, biomechanics, aeronautics, and other applied math and science arenas will discover PLTW is an exciting portal into these industries.

Introduction to Engineering Design 

This is usually the first discipline in the PLTW sequence of courses in High School. Introduction to Engineering Design encourages students to be creative and apply decision-making and problem solving skills to specific design problems using computer software (Autodesk® Inventor) to develop parametric 3-D models and solid renderings. Using a CAD (computer aided design) system, students explore the design process by creating, analyzing, rendering (photo-quality), and producing virtual models.

Digital Electronics

Usually the second course (and purposely the most difficult) in the PLTW sequence, provides students with computer lab and hands-on experience applicable to the profession of an electrical engineer. Digital Electronics is a course in applied logic. Students will explore the digital circuits found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. They will investigate digital logic and how digital devices can control automated equipment and use industry standard, electronic design software to build circuits and to export designs.

Principles of Engineering

Principles of Engineering is designed to help students understand career possibilities in engineering and engineering technology. Exploring engineering systems and manufacturing processes, students will continue to develop the problem solving skills used on the college level and in the work place. In addition, students will learn how engineers address concerns about the social and political consequences created by technological change.

Computerized Integrated Manufacturing

Computerized Integrated Manufacturing builds on the solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design expanding on prototyping, robotics, and automation. CIM will introduce students on how to create tool paths from designs created in Autodesk® Inventor and utilizing software such as EdgeCAM®, and cut (mill) them on a CNC machine control. They will also explore the fundamentals of robotics and learn how this technology functions in an automated manufacturing environment.

** Successful completion of three years in this program satisfies the technology, fine art, and math related course requirements for graduation**

Career Opportunities: CAD Designer, Engineering Assistant, Engineer, CNC Machinist, Electrical Engineer.