Mentone & Akron Elementaries Named Distinguished Schools For Excellence In STEM Education
May 7, 2025 at 9:36 p.m.
AKRON – Mentone and Akron elementary schools announced Wednesday they have been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School.
This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers, according to a news release from Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
According to Inga Omondi, TVSC director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, “These programs launch students’ creativity and passion in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and prepare them with the in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive within their own communities and as global citizens. Thank you, TVSC educators, for empowering our students each and every day!”
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, a school had to have more than 75% of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2023-24 school year.
Research indicates that students form opinions and develop interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities like designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork abilities and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are proud to honor Mentone and Akron Elementary for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”
Mentone and Akron Elementary are part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition.
For more information on Tippecanoe Valley’s PLTW Launch program, contact Omondi at 574-598-2759.
AKRON – Mentone and Akron elementary schools announced Wednesday they have been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School.
This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers, according to a news release from Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
According to Inga Omondi, TVSC director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, “These programs launch students’ creativity and passion in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and prepare them with the in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive within their own communities and as global citizens. Thank you, TVSC educators, for empowering our students each and every day!”
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, a school had to have more than 75% of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2023-24 school year.
Research indicates that students form opinions and develop interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities like designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork abilities and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are proud to honor Mentone and Akron Elementary for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”
Mentone and Akron Elementary are part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition.
For more information on Tippecanoe Valley’s PLTW Launch program, contact Omondi at 574-598-2759.