***NEWS RELEASE***
STEVENSVILLE, MD –Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) is proud to announce that Stevensville Middle School (STMS) has been recognized as a 2025-2026 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor is awarded to a select number of middle schools across the United States for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning through the PLTW Gateway program, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum.
“Earning Project Lead The Way Distinguished School status for the eighth year in a row highlights the impact of consistent, high-quality STEM education,” said Rocco Barletta, PLTW master teacher at STMS. “Our program empowers students to see themselves as innovators and future problem-solvers.”
PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.
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, STMS met a variety of criteria, including student participation in PLTW coursework, the number of PLTW units offered, and efforts to ensure equitable access to STEM learning opportunities.
Research shows that the middle school years play a pivotal role in influencing future academic and career success. During this important transitional period, students benefit from engaging, hands-on learning experiences that expose them to a wide range of career pathways and possibilities. Through the PLTW Gateway program, STMS students participate in real-world, project-based experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and innovation while building confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are proud to honor STMS for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures,” said Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of PLTW. “Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next.”
STMS is part of a national network of PreK-12 schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners committed to preparing students for success in school, work, and life.
For more information about the PLTW Gateway program at STMS, contact Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, Career Counseling, and Workforce Development for QACPS at [email protected].