USD 345 Elementary Schools Named PLTW Distinguished Schools

Posted on 05/06/2026

All five USD 345 elementary schools are being recognized as a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. They are among a select group of elementary schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for its commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. USD 345 elementary schools help students develop transferable skills needed to succeed in an evolving future. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers. 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 had to 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 2024-25 school year.

Research indicates that students form opinions and develop an interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities such as designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.






"We are proud to honor USD 345 elementary schools for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next."






USD 345 elementary schools are part of a national community of PreK-12 schools, higher education institutions, and more than 100 industry partners united in the mission to prepare students for school, work, and life.