EMSD Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
Named a distinguished district for STEM curriculum and career readiness
East Moline, IL – East Moline School District 37 announced today that it has been recognized as a 2022-23 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished District for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through its PLTW pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. It is one of just 17 districts across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
"We are honored to receive this recognition from PLTW. It's the realization of hard work by our educators and the steadfast belief in our students by the John Deere Foundation. Our families dream of infinite possibilities for their children just like families everywhere. Because of our educators and the support of the John Deere Foundation, that dream is becoming a reality in East Moline. We are working to prepare our students for a world that does not yet exist. PLTW offers our students authentic, applied learning experiences that empower them to thrive in school and hopefully one day solve some of the world's complex challenges. We are thankful for this honor and look to build upon this work to empower our students through the lessons learned in PLTW," said Dr. Kristin Humphries, Superintendent of the East Moline School District.
The PLTW Distinguished District recognition honors districts committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, EMSD had to have 20 percent or more of its students in each grade, PreK-12, participate in a PLTW program during the 2021-22 school year, or each school in the district needed to receive the 2022-23 PLTW Distinguished School award.
Through PLTW programs, students develop in-demand knowledge and skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. As PLTW students progress through grades PreK-12, they are empowered to engage in problem-solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge and skills, build communication skills, and explore career opportunities.
“We are proud to recognize EMSD 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 important work empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also more generally in life and career."
EMSD is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org.
For more information on the East Moline School District's PLTW programs, contact Kelly Ronnebeck at 309-792-2887.