TEMPLE, Texas — Temple Independent School District’s Kennedy-Powell Elementary School has 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.
“I am beyond proud that Kennedy-Powell STEM Academy has once again been named a Project Lead the Way Launch Distinguished School – for the eighth straight year. This is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and heart our teachers pour into making STEM learning essential and come alive every day,” Jill Owen, principal of Kennedy-Powell said. “Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure that all students – from our littlest learners to our future leaders – have daily opportunities to solve problems, think critically, and design solutions for the real world. Our students need curiosity, courage, and the confidence to tackle challenges and that is why we are committed to high-quality STEM instruction at Kennedy-Powell. I couldn’t be more grateful for our amazing staff, supportive families, and our bright, hardworking Stars who shine in every challenge we give them.”
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, Kennedy-Powell had to have at least 75 percent of the student body participating in at least one PLTW Launch module and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module in each grade (K-5) during the 2023-24 school year. Kennedy-Powell has now earned PLTW Distinguished School honors for eight consecutive years.
“PLTW empowers our students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and see themselves as future innovators,” said Lucille Castleberry, former Project Lead The Way lead launch teacher and now assistant principal at Kennedy-Powell. “Through hands-on, engaging learning experiences, they’re not just learning science and engineering – they’re building the confidence and skills to lead in any field they choose because they are learning how to communicate effectively and solve problems in a constructive way.”
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at, math and science. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are proud to honor Kennedy-Powell Elementary School 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.”
Kennedy-Powell Elementary School 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 https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition.