William Penn Middle School Receives National Recognition from Project Lead The Way for Excellence in Career Connected Learning
William Penn Middle School, a member of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), has been recognized as a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School.
This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning through its PLTW Gateway program, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum.
"This exciting accolade is a direct result of the Penn faculty and staff prioritizing the delivery of engaging, hands-on, real-world-centered learning- and our awesome students taking a chance to learn in new and different ways,” said William Penn Principal Chelsey Thompson. “What a testament this designation is to the high-caliber instruction offered in IPS! A large thank you to PLTW for being such an important part of our STEM identity, and for recognizing the work that we are doing to bring equitable STEM access to our Penn families!"
William Penn Middle School offers students a dynamic, hands-on STEM education through project-based learning, preparing them for success in high school, college, and future careers. Students explore real-world challenges through PLTW courses, including Medical Detectives, Automation and Robotics, and Green Architecture. At the same time, eighth graders can earn high school credit in courses such as Algebra, Biology, Spanish, and Prep for College and Careers.
The school is also a key part of IPS' Destination 2032 initiative, supported by a $5.5 million Lilly Endowment grant, which expands STEM learning opportunities through Future Centers, STEM Scholars programming, and career exploration. Coupled with an award-winning faculty committed to connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, William Penn provides students with the skills, knowledge, and support to pursue high-demand STEM careers.
PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and
empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.
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, William Penn had to meet a variety of criteria, such as the percentage of students
participating in PLTW, the percentage of students who participate in more than one PLTW unit,
the number of PLTW units offered, and efforts to ensure access to PLTW courses.
Research shows that middle school grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school,
college, and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with
access to relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences that expose the range of
career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics
system or exploring aerospace by creating designs and prototypes, PLTW Gateway students
engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop confidence in STEM
subjects.
"We are proud to honor William Penn for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and ceo. "Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next."
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