La Porte – For the fourth year in a row, all eight elementary schools in the La Porte Community School Corporation have been recognized as 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools for STEM curriculum and career readiness.
This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S., aiming to make every child in every grade STEM successful.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to fostering STEM education and career readiness from an early age,” said Dr. Ben Tonagel, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education. “By engaging our youngest learners in PLTW modules, we are empowering them with the skills and mindset needed for future success.”
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, schools must have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2022-23 school year.
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at math and science. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are honored to recognize all eight La Porte Community School Corporation Elementary Schools for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their dedication to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also preparing them for future careers and life beyond the classroom.”
Crichfield, Hailmann, Handley, Indian Trial, Kingsbury, Kingsford Heights, Lincoln, and Riley Elementary Schools are part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit
pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.