This grant provided funding to Anson County Schools to expand its STEM program offerings via introductory courses at the middle grades using Project Lead the Way’s Gateway to Technology (PLTW), in an effort to prepare students for more advanced PLTW courses in high school. PLTW is a nationally validated, STEM-based curriculum that promotes career exploration, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary connections. Identified outcomes for the three-year project included improved student proficiency on EOG/EOC exams, increased Math I completion, improved on-time graduation rate, and increased numbers of students earning college credit in technical programs at the local community college. Golden LEAF funds were used for salaries and benefits for instructional coaches, PLTW training and certification, enrichment and leadership activities, supplies, and materials.
