The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been awarded a $2.98 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation to increase student interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by providing middle school students access to high-quality STEM curriculum that supports hands-on, real-world learning, from Project Lead the Way (PLTW).
The purpose of the grant is to award Local Education Agencies (LEAs) competitive subgrants to implement PLTW curriculum in the 7th and 8th grades for the following courses: Design and Modeling (399120), Medical Detectives (399180), Automation & Robotics (399110), and Flight and Space (399250).
Priority consideration for grant funds will be given to LEAs based on the following criteria:
- LEA demographics that indicate high poverty percentages (Title I status)
- Schools without prior access to the curriculum
- Implementation and sustainability plan