RIT Hosts Summer Technology Training for Middle and High School Teachers

Rochester Institute of Technology is hosting 450 math, science and technology teachers from across the nation for intensive, daily workshops, June 30 through Aug. 9.

Project Lead the Way, an initiative to train middle and high school teachers in the instruction of pre-engineering curricula, intends to spark interest in engineering and technology studies among future engineers. By better preparing youth for college studies, they are more likely to succeed in college and careers. In turn, this will lead to a larger pool of skilled workers in high-tech fields. Teachers train at RIT’s National Technology Training Center.

"Project Lead the Way raises the standard of education throughout the country and is a perfect fit to complement school reform efforts," says Guy Johnson, center director and RIT professor of manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology. "Students’ enthusiasm for the program, which prepares them for informed college and career choices, is unmatched."

Students can receive college credits for participation in Project Lead the Way. Teachers, from about 500 schools, can receive graduate college credits for their training.

In addition to those training at RIT, 120 teachers are training at summer institutes at affiliated universities including Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.; New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, N.H.; Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.; the University of Houston; and the University of New Haven.

Project Lead the Way, launched in partnership with RIT in 1997, is an initiative of the nonprofit National Alliance for Pre-Engineering Programs. This year marks the largest teacher group and the fifth straight year of summer teacher-training workshops at RIT.

Note: For more information on Project Lead the Way, visit www.pltw.org.