Orange County Public Schools celebrates the announcement of Apopka High School as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW Biomedical Science and Engineering. It is one of just 143 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the nation.
"We are excited to receive this honor," said Apopka High principal Lyle Heinz. "Our staff has worked hard over several years to continue to build these programs. To be one of only 143 in the nation shows that Apopka High is dedicated to providing the best education to our students and creating opportunities for our magnet students. The recognition for these programs is well deserved and we look forward to many more years of success."
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. Apopka High offers two PLTW programs: Biomedical Science and Engineering.
PLTW Biomedical Science introduces high school students to medicine and human body systems, as well as the wide array of biomedical science careers. Throughout the program, students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals, preparing them for careers in medical and health-related fields.
PLTW Engineering empowers high school students to step into the role of an engineer and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Students engage in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, and exploring algae as a biofuel source. Apopka High's Advanced Engineering Applications four-year magnet program, which includes the PLTW Engineering courses, is a thorough exploration of the broad spectrum of traditional engineering fields as well as the emerging disciplines in the physical, social, and biological sciences.
“It is a great honor to recognize Apopka High for its commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “The school should be very proud of its work to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
Project Lead the Way falls under the OCPS Career and Technical Education umbrella, ensuring real-world technical education in science, math, engineering and technology can help all students grow and expand their future career potential. With more than 7,000 high school students enrolled in OCPS CTE PLTW Engineering and Biomedical programs, 12,000+ Gateway course units to be completed this school year and the PLTW K-5 Launch program, OCPS is the largest PLTW district in the U.S. Apopka High is the second OCPS high school to earn this distinction; last year, Timber Creek High was named a PLTW Distinguished School.
“Project Lead the Way programs excite and motivate students and transform lives," remarked Dr. Michael Armbruster, Associate Superintendent, OCPS Career and Technical Education.
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Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
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