Project Lead the Way: Caterpillar Inc., Bradley University and District 150 Join Together in High-Tech Collaboration

MARCH 22, 2005

Caterpillar Inc., Bradley University and Peoria District 150 are proud to collaborate in bringing Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to Woodruff High School. Project Lead the Way is a national, non-profit organization established to help schools give students the knowledge they need to excel in high-tech fields.

PLTW uses a pre-engineering curriculum of 5 courses, one for each year, two in the junior year for high school students. With a concept of strong partnerships, PLTW leverages the collective knowledge and efforts of secondary schools, colleges and universities and industry to give students rigorous, relevant, reality-based knowledge to better prepare them for college engineering classes. Project Lead the Way begins with foundation courses such as Principles of Engineering, Introduction to Engineering Design and Digital Electronics.

"We have a saying at Caterpillar when we talk to people who are considering a career with us "Unlimit Yourself," says Sid Banwart, Vice President of Cat's Human Services Division. "At Cat the chances to grow and learn new things are as unlimited as your imagination. Every day you see people from different backgrounds and experiences coming together to reach their highest potential. We hope through Project Lead the Way that more young people in our community will see the opportunities available to them in exciting careers in engineering and information technology."

Students will begin in the fall of 2005. The College of Engineering and Technology began implementing the program in 2003 and is involved in the facilitation of the program in 12 schools in Illinois. Woodruff High Schools is currently upgrading the technology lab to accommodate the 20 students who will be enrolled in the new program.

Dr. Cindy Fischer, Interim Co-Superintendent and the Director of Career and Vocational Education says, "We deeply appreciate Caterpillar/s generous financial support for Project Lead the Way. We are hopeful that PLTW will be an excellent extension of our proven technology with Caterpillar at the middle school level in the Destination Technology program. This auspicious program will produce highly educated young people who I optimistically believe will remain in our community as it grows its hi-tech workforce."

PLTW's goal is to increase the number and diversity of quality engineers graduating from our educational system. PLTW is centered on bringing pre-engineering curriculum and concepts to students through a hands-on application while their opinions about careers and interests are in the crucial stages of development. The importance of PLTW comes at a time where there is a critical shortage of engineers and engineering technologists entering the field when technology is reinventing itself every few years. The critical shortage is re-emphasized by statistics, which show half of the current engineers retiring and more than half of the college students enrolled as engineering majors dropping out of the field of study

"Project Lead The Way is creating dynamic partnerships with schools to prepare an increasing and more diverse group of students to be successful in engineering, science, and technology programs," said Dr. Richard Johnson, Dean of the College of Engineering & Technology at Bradley. "We are pleased to add Woodruff to the 12 schools in Illinois where we are facilitating the program. As we introduce this curriculum to more and more students we know we are making a positive effort in addressing the need for engineers, scientists and technologists to maintain and enhance the vibrant technological society that our way of life now depends upon."

What is Caterpillar's Contribution?

Caterpillar will contribute $75,000 in 2005 to cover the following program expenses:
- Upgrade Woodruff's computer lab to attain PTLW standards this may result in purchasing new computers.
- Laptop computer for course instructor
- Training for instruction at University of Illinois
- 1 day required counseling workshop for high school counselor
- Materials and other equipment

What is Bradley University's role?

A critical component of the Project Lead the Way program is its comprehensive teacher-training model. The curriculum these teachers are required to teach uses cutting-edge technology and software requiring specialized training. On-going training supports the teachers as they implement the program and provides for continuous improvement of skills. Under the direction of Dick Greene from Bradley University's "Engineers of Tomorrow" program, Bradley will provide support, manpower and training for Project Lead the Way at Woodruff High School.

The curriculum for Project Lead The Way Students is rigorous. PLTW classes will be awarded Enriched Weight for District 150 GPA/Class Rank. PLTW students will likely be enrolled in Early Bird classes all four years in order to fulfill district and state graduation requirements.

Implementing PLTW at Woodruff will take place over four years. Before the first classes are held in August 2005, Room 306 will be converted into a PLTW lab, 20 students will be recruited for Year 1 and the class instructor for Introduction to Engineering Design will be trained.

Year 1 (2005-2006): Recruit students for Principles of Engineering class, implement opportunities for college credit for PLTW classes

Year 2 (2006-2007): Implement Principles of Engineering class, determine which elective will be offered in Year 3.

Year 3 (2007-2008): Implement Digital Electronics course, implement Biotechnical Engineering or other elective course

Year 4 (2008-2009): Implement capstone course: Engineering Design and Development

For more than 75 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2004 sales and revenues of $30.25 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at www.cat.com.

More information on Project Lead the Way is available at www.pltw.org.