Groton/Dunstable, Massachusetts – Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School (GDRMS) announced today that it has received a grant to offer high-quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs from Project Lead The Way (PLTW). PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science. More than 10,500 schools across the country offer PLTW programs to millions of students.

“Project Lead the Way will allow us to offer three new courses to our middle school students. It will cover the cost of all of the curriculum, which is very expensive when you are talking about technology and engineering,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Katie Novak. “In grade six, the focus of the course will be ‘Flight and Space.’ In grade seven, students will explore ‘Design and Modeling’ and then in grade eight, students will explore ‘Automation and Robotics.’

Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School is just one of 73 schools across the commonwealth to receive the grant, which is supported by the Administration of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub.

“It is essential that we engage our students throughout their K-12 school years with hands-on lessons in science, engineering, computer science, technology and math,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School will use grant funds to begin its PLTW program with PLTW Gateway. Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in the hands-on, activity-, project-, and problem-based courses.

“We are proud to partner with Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School to empower students to develop the in-demand knowledge and transportable skills to thrive in our evolving world,” said Vince Bertram, PLTW president and CEO. “Thank you to the Governor’s Office, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub for making these grants possible and further investing in Massachusetts’s students.”

About PLTW

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and 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. More than 10,500 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.