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
PLTW grantees will implement the new curriculum beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. Application and related information are linked below.
DESE PLTW Grant Web Page
PLTW Grant Request for Applications
PLTW Grant Application
PLTW Website
Interested LEAs are highly encouraged to attend a school tour at a campus that is already implementing the PLTW curriculum prior to submitting an application. Approved applications will require a school tour before being awarded a PLTW Grant. Tours dates, locations, and sign-up links are listed below. Please note that tours have limited spots, so early sign-up is suggested.
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School
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Address
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Tour Dates & Times
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Sign Up Link
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Manila High School
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404 South Davis Manila, AR 72442
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10/26/22 @12:05
10/28/22 @12:05
11/4/22 @12:05
11/10/22 @12:05
11/16/22 @12:05
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https://forms.gle/aSXS26ndG5fdmq6N8
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Greenwood Junior High School
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300 E. Gary, Greenwood, AR 72936
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12/5/22 @8AM
12/6/22 @8AM
12/7/22 @8AM
12/8/22 @8AM
12/9/22 @8AM
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https://forms.gle/pWhAFkeUmkGQxTLe9
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Russellville Junior High School
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2000 West Parkway, Russellville, AR 72802
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10/25/22 @8AM
10/25/22 @9:30AM
10/25/22 @11:45AM
10/25/22 @12:38PM
10/25/22 @1:30PM
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https://forms.gle/XVPAv7kRrhCwRzA77
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Woodland Jr. High
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1 E Poplar St, Fayetteville, AR 72703
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10/17/22 @8:30AM
11/9/22 @8:30AM
11/15/22 @8:30AM
12/1/22 @8:30AM
12/5/22 @8:30AM
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https://forms.gle/7D1Q1gXsCHZ7eLAYA
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Forest Heights STEM Academy
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5901 Evergreen Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
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12/8/22 @8:20AM
12/9/22 @11:30AM
12/9/22 @11:10AM
12/9/22 @12PM
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https://forms.gle/n3YMQGgfhmC4xmtn6
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Beebe Junior High
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1201 W Center Street, Beebe, AR, 72012
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11/14/22 @11:50AM
11/15/22 @8AM
11/16/22 @8:50AM
11/17/22 @10:30AM
11/18/22 @8:50AM
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https://forms.gle/jiYDC6MewJAHvv7X8
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Fountain Lake Middle School
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4207 Park Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
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10/20/22 @8AM
10/20/22 @1:30PM
11/1/22 @8AM
11/7/22 @1:30PM
11/16/22 @8AM
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https://forms.gle/Pk1rVCr4cUdCrsiY7
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For more information, contact:
Samantha Duchscherer, Ed.D., PLTW Grant Coordinator,
samantha.duchscherer@ade.arkansas.gov