St. Mary's Ryken Recognized as PLTW Distinguished High School

 

 

St. Mary's Ryken has been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is among a select group of high schools across the U.S. to be recognized for its commitment to inspiring and engaging its students to unlock their potential through its PLTW Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering programs. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.  

“Being named a PLTW Distinguished School is a testament to our students’ passion for innovation and our teachers’ dedication to hands-on, real-world learning. PLTW has transformed the way our students approach problem-solving, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking that will serve them well in college, career, and life," said Dean of Academics, Mr. Jason DeLucco. 

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, SMR had to meet multiple criteria in the 2023-24 school year, such as the number of PLTW courses available to students, the percentage of students enrolled in PLTW, and the percentage of students taking more than one PLTW course.

“We are proud to honor SMR for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”

PLTW high school programs prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow, by not only incorporating STEM skills into their learning but building students’ collaboration, teamwork and communication skills so they can be ready for whatever path they take.

SMR is 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 St. Mary's Ryken's PLTW Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering programs, contact Jason DeLucco at jason.delucco@smrhs.org.

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The PLTW Computer Science interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world computer science challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn more than just how to code, developing computational thinking and communication skills for our increasingly technology-based economy. 
 

PLTW Biomedical Science 

PLTW Biomedical Science introduces high school students to medicine and human body systems, as well as the wide array of biomedical science careers. Throughout the program, students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals, preparing them for careers in medical and health-related fields. 
 

PLTW Engineering 

PLTW Engineering empowers high school students to step into the role of an engineer and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Students engage in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, and exploring algae as a biofuel source.  

About PLTW

For nearly 30 years, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) has prepared PreK–12 students for careers, college, and life by equipping them with the STEM knowledge, credential preparation, transferable skills, and confidence to succeed. Our hands-on, real-world learning, deep industry partnerships and clear, scaffolded curriculum guide students from early career curiosity to postsecondary readiness. With strong professional development taught by a national network of more than 116,000 trained teachers in 12,200+ schools across all 50 states, PLTW enables schools to design scalable, future-focused programs that inspire students, empower educators, and connect learning to life after graduation. Visit pltw.org to learn more.