Bradley offers credit for Project Lead The Way pre-engineering courses

Peoria, Illinois . . . March 21, 2006 . . . High school students enrolled in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses are now eligible to receive up to 12 hours of academic credit at Bradley University in Peoria.

The Bradley Manufacturing Engineering Technology program will offer the credit starting in the fall semester to qualified students. To qualify students must complete PLTW course requirements at a certified high school.

Project Lead The Way is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. The program forms partnerships with high schools, colleges and universities, and the private sector to increase the number of students in engineering and technology.

The PLTW organization has developed eight courses that are being taught in certified high schools: Principles of Engineering; Introduction to Engineering Design; Digital Electronics; Computer Integrated Manufacturing; Civil Engineering & Architecture; Aerospace Engineering, Biotechnical Engineering, and Engineering Design and Development.

Bradley is one of the first universities in the U.S. to allow students to transfer up to 12 credit hours from the PLTW program toward the Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology (BSMfET) degree.

"With the growth of Project Lead The Way throughout the U.S. we know there are many students who will be well-qualified to continue their study of engineering at the college level," said Bruce Whelchel, associate professor of manufacturing and advisor for the program. "At Bradley we are excited to offer this exceptional opportunity for students who qualify to earn a bachelor's degree manufacturing engineering technology in less than 4 years."

Bradley staff member Dick Greene coordinates the PLTW program in Illinois. The Kern Family Foundation of Waukesha, Wisconsin has partnered with the program to establish a competitive grant program to assist participating schools with some of the cost of teacher training, materials, equipment, and required computer software.