South Ripley Junior High Receives National Recognition from Project Lead The Way

This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences.

(Versailles, Ind.) - South Ripley Junior High announced today that it has been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.

“This recognition solidifies our commitment to providing our students with the education that will help them grow into the future leaders of our community. I am extremely proud of all of our students and staf who have contributed to this accomplishment. Go Raiders!” South Ripley Junior High Principal, Derik Hutton.

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, South Ripley Junior High had to meet a variety of criteria such as the percentage of students participating in PLTW, the percentage of students who participate in more than one PLTW unit, the number of PLTW units offered, and efforts to ensure equitable access to PLTW courses.

Research shows that the middle grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school, college, and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with access to relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences that expose the range of career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics system or exploring aerospace by creating designs and prototypes, PLTW Gateway students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop confidence in STEM subjects.

“We are honored to recognize South Ripley Junior High School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their dedication to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but preparing them for future careers and life beyond the classroom."

South Ripley Junior High is 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 pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.