P.K. Yonge Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students

November 3, 2023

Named a PLTW Distinguished High School for STEM curriculum and career readiness.

Gainesville, FL – P.K. Yonge announced that it has been recognized as a 2022-23 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of 262 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW’s computer science, engineering, and biomedical pathways. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in more than 12,200 schools across the U.S.

“P.K. Yonge is honored to receive this recognition as an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of our students, as well as the leadership of Ms. Leigh Anne Brewster, PLTW’s lead teacher. Our school is proud to offer this accessible and inclusive program aimed at preparing our students for bright futures in both college and career,” said Dr. Brian K. Marchman, Director and Superintendent of P.K. Yonge.

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, P.K. Yonge had to meet the following criteria in the 2021-22 school year:

  • Had 25 percent of students or more participate in PLTW courses, or of those who participated in PLTW, at least 33 percent took two or more PLTW courses;
  • Offer and had students enrolled in at least three PLTW courses;
  • Have strategies in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, and/or gender.

“We are proud to recognize P.K. Yonge 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 important work empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also more generally in life and career.”

P.K. Yonge is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org.

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