Wisconsin Initiative

Objectives for Wisconsin

• Driver for economic development
• Local availability of workers prepared to fill technical and engineering jobs
• Creation of high wage jobs
  Higher standard of living for all Wisconsin residents

The Facts

• Engineering is a key to high tech development
• There is a national shortage of engineers and technicians
• 100,000 fewer students are in the engineering pipeline than in 1975
• Engineering degrees have remained stagnant in last 12 years
• Engineering technology degrees have dropped dramatically in recent years

Project Lead the Way

• National network of middle and high schools which encourage students to prepare for engineering and technology careers
• Project-based, high rigor curriculum which can be implemented quickly
• Professional development for teachers and counselors
• Non-profit organization

PLTW National Statistics

• 2500 schools in 49 states using PLTW
• 5,000 teachers trained in project-based, high rigor/high relevance curriculum
• Minority enrollment in PLTW is increasing
• Female enrollment in PLTW is increasing
• 73 % of PLTW students enter engineering/eng. technology programs
• 98% of these engineering/eng technology students continued to their second year in college

What will it take to implement Project Lead the Way in Wisconsin

• State Leadership Team of government, business, schools and colleges
• University Affiliate (MSOE)
• Schools and teachers making the commitment
• Public and private funding partners to help schools move forward