Big Lake Middle School is proud to announce that it has been named a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School, an honor that reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for career readiness through high-quality STEM education.

“Students at BLMS look forward to their PLTW course each year,” said Principal Mark Ernst. “It has become part of who we are as we build on experiences they come to us with as they explore and prepare for high school and beyond.”

This recognition is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum.

To be named a PLTW Distinguished School, schools must meet certain criteria based on the number of PLTW courses offered, the percentage of student participation, and ongoing efforts to ensure continued access to these courses.

A nationwide leader in STEM curriculum, PLTW blends academic STEM education and career readiness through practical, project-based instruction.

At BLMS, students take one trimester-long PLTW Gateway course each year, each focused on a different area of STEM: Computer Science in sixth grade, Design and Modeling in seventh grade, and Automation and Robotics in eighth grade.

In these classes, students are challenged to take on real-life problems while developing transferable, in-demand skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Through projects like designing automated robotics systems or exploring aerospace by creating designs and prototypes, they also build confidence in STEM subjects and explore related career paths as they begin to think about their futures.

This kind of real-world learning is especially impactful during middle school, as research shows that these transitional years have a strong influence on future educational and career success.

“We are proud to honor Big Lake Middle School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “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 Big Lake Middle School’s PLTW program, visit blms.biglakeschools.org/academics/pltw. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.