Indianapolis – September 13, 2026 -- Project Lead The Way (PLTW) has won two categories in the Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2026 Awards, with PLTW Engineering named "Best of STEM: Engineering Education" and PLTW Gateway recognized as "Best of STEM: Hands-on Learning for Middle School."
Judging panel comprises certified science and STEM educators exclusively
The awards program, operated with MCH Strategic Data, the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), is the only STEM education awards initiative judged entirely by certified classroom teachers, specialists, and district leaders. Entries undergo rigorous evaluation for classroom suitability before recognition.
PLTW Engineering targets high school students with industry-aligned technical training
The high school curriculum immerses students in project-based engineering challenges spanning aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and robotics, connecting classroom instruction to current industry applications. The program is designed to scale into pathways preparing students for higher education and engineering careers.
PLTW Gateway exposes middle schoolers to more than 60 career fields
PLTW Gateway introduces students to robotics, skilled trades, medical science, engineering design, app creation, aerospace, and automation through collaborative, problem-based activities. An educator judge for the middle school category said the program's Activity-Project-Problem-Based Learning model ensures students practice collaboration, perseverance, communication, and resilience alongside career exposure.
CEO cites educator-driven validation as differentiator for adoption decisions
"Educators need trusted, field-tested solutions that deliver real-world impact. This recognition means more because it comes from educators who see the results firsthand," said David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way.
PLTW currently operates in more than 12,200 schools with 116,000 trained educators across all 50 states, according to the organization.