The Meridian Technology Center STEM Academy was named a Distinguished High School by Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for its Biomedical Sciences and Pre-Engineering programs. This is the third year in a row that the school has received this recognition.

“It is a great honor to recognize Meridian Technology Center for its commitment to providing students with an exceptional educational experience,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their work to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”

PLTW is a national program that provides transformative learning experiences for students and teachers across the country. It focuses on developing problem-solving skills by immersing students in real-world preparatory-level academics. The Distinguished High School award recognizes schools that are committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for the third consecutive year,” said Linda Thompson, Director of Instruction for Meridian’s STEM Academy. “There continues to be a shortage of STEM workers in the U.S. and PLTW is dedicated to helping fill that gap. The STEM Academy provides a way for students across our district to have access to advanced STEM curriculum and advanced placement math and science courses that prepare them for college and their career.”

STEM Academy students continue to score above the state and national average on AP tests and ACT scores. Pre-Engineering graduates have an average ACT score of 28.8 and Biomedical Sciences students have an average of 28, outranking the state average of 19 and the national average of 20.7.

Students in the Biomedical Sciences program had a pass rate of 100% on the AP Biology exam, more than doubling last year’s 37% national average pass rate. Since the implementation of the Biomedical Sciences program, 100% of graduates have enrolled in college.

The STEM Academy at Meridian teaches students science, technology, engineering and mathematics principles using PLTW curriculum. Coursework focuses on developing in-demand, transportable skills such as critical and creative thinking, and collaboration and communication, helping ensure student success no matter their future career pathway.

There are 159 students currently enrolled in the STEM Academy. Students may enroll as a sophomore, junior or senior.

To be eligible for the honor, schools need to offer at least three PLTW courses, have more than a third of students enrolled in multiple PLTW courses and have at least 70 percent of students earn a proficient or higher on end-of-year assessments.

“The Biomedical Sciences program was designed to prepare students for the high level of math and science necessary in a variety of medical fields,” said Stephanie Hara, STEM Academy Instructor. “We are proud to offer rigorous academics for students to launch into college.

Meridian’s Pre-Engineering program began using PLTW curriculum in 2009. The program provides an overview of aerospace engineering, civil engineering and architecture, computer integrated manufacturing, computer science principals, digital electronics, environmental sustainability, and engineering design and development. These courses engage students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms or exploring algae as a biofuel source.

The PLTW Biomedical Sciences program was added in 2015, forming the STEM Academy. The program is a four-course sequence where students study and investigate concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health, and explore a range of careers in biomedical sciences as they learn content in the context of real-world, hands-on activities, projects and problems.

Core courses in this program include principles of biomedical science, human body systems, medical interventions and biomedical innovation.

Depending on their high school, students in the STEM Academy may receive academic credit in algebra II, trigonometry/pre-calculus, anatomy and physiology, AP calculus, AP physics, AP statics, pre-AP chemistry and AP chemistry.

In August, STEM teachers and students will begin the school year in the new STEM Academy facility with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

“Being able to work closely together in a shared common space will allow teachers and students to have a higher quality lab and hands-on learning experiences,” Thompson explained.

For more information on career training programs available at Meridian visit meridiantech.edu/programs.