Project Lead The Way Wins Two 'Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2026' Awards

Teacher-judged award program validates PLTW Engineering and PLTW Gateway as trusted solutions for high-impact STEM and CTE pathways

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a national nonprofit dedicated to preparing PreK–12 students for careers, college, and life through hands-on curriculum, is proud to announce that it has been named a winner in two categories of the Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2026 Awards. PLTW Engineering was awarded "Best of STEM: Engineering Education," and PLTW Gateway was recognized as the winner for "Best of STEM: Hands-on Learning for Middle School."

The Educators Pick Best of STEM Awards is the only awards program judged entirely by certified science and STEM educators. Operated in partnership with MCH Strategic Data, the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), the program spotlights innovative products, technologies, and services that are changing the world of STEM education. Each entry is rigorously evaluated and validated for classroom suitability by certified classroom teachers, specialists, and district leaders.

"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 Engineering and PLTW Gateway give students the chance to design, build, and solve real problems, the kind of experience that prepares them not just for a career, but for success in school, work, and life."

PLTW Engineering equips high school students with technical expertise and career-ready skills by immersing them in real-world engineering challenges that connect classroom learning to modern industry applications. Through a hands-on, project-based approach, PLTW Engineering encourages innovation and problem-solving, creating scalable pathways that prepare students for higher education and future careers in engineering and STEM-related fields.

"PLTW Engineering provides a comprehensive, career-connected learning experience for students that has a nice combination of technical knowledge aligned with building durable skills," said the educator judge for Best of STEM: Engineering Education. "Because it offers hands-on, project- and problem-based challenges, it enables students to engage in impactful learning as they design, build, test, and improve their solutions, and to explore different areas such as aerospace engineering, civil engineering, robotics, and more."

PLTW Gateway introduces middle school students to real-world learning opportunities across multiple disciplines. Through collaborative projects and problem-based activities, students actively explore robotics, skilled trades, medical science, engineering design, app creation, aerospace, and automation. By emphasizing experiential learning and career exploration during a critical developmental stage, PLTW Gateway inspires personal confidence and builds sustained interest in STEM pathways that extend into high school.

"PLTW Gateway offers exactly what is most needed in today's educational arena: hands-on, relevant, career-oriented curriculum that values the needs of present-day students," said the educator judge for Best of STEM: Hands-on Learning for Middle School. "With their Activity - Project - Problem-Based Learning approach, PLTW provides educators and students with a meaningful and robust way to not only expose students to over 60 diverse careers, but also ensure soft skills like collaboration, perseverance, communication, and overcoming failure are practiced in significant ways."

Learn more about PLTW at https://www.pltw.org/.

About Project Lead The Way
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationwide nonprofit offering a complete PreK–12 STEM and CTE ecosystem that connects classroom curriculum to real-world application through immersive experiences, purposeful industry partnerships, grant-supported access, and educator training—helping schools develop and demonstrate a career advantage through meaningful, applied learning that supports engagement, confidence, and future-ready skill development.

For nearly 30 years, PLTW has given students opportunities to solve problems, create, collaborate, and apply what they learn in meaningful ways, from standards-aligned, project-based early exploration to advanced coursework and work-based learning.

Discover why more than 12,200 schools, 116,000 trained educators, and millions of students across all 50 states choose PLTW to build the skills they need for careers, college, and life. Learn more at PLTW.org.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Grau
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SOURCE Project Lead The Way