Project Lead the Way is a nationally-recognized pre-engineering curriculum that incorporates hands-on, project-based learning. Graves County High School is one of fewer than 25 high schools in Kentucky offering this advanced curriculum.

The GCHS program advisory board is comprised of regional business, professional, industry, and post-secondary education leaders who see the value of engineering education and support it.

To retain certification of its PLTW curriculum, GCHS is required to develop a digital electronics class at a cost of $15,000. This is a one-time financial need and required to continue the program. Without it, the school not only is prohibited from helping current students progress, but would lose the certification to teach pre-engineering courses to students new to the program. The new class would be very relevant to the needs of developing engineers in the region and crucial to developing the modern skill set necessary to compete in the global economy.

PLTW officials are confident this class will instill the 21st Century technology and problem-solving skills that high school graduates need, but often lack. With business and industry lacking the skilled workforce to meet modern demands, this class not only would greatly benefit the students who complete it, but also would benefit the regional economy.

Both the Tennessee Valley Authority and Murray State University understand the importance of reaching the goal and they’ve responded with significant contributions. Still, Graves County’s PLTW needs more than 10,000 additional dollars to reach that goal. Officials hope the public’s commitment to engineering professionalism and the region’s continued future success lead individuals and groups to donate as well.

PREVIEWING ENGINEERING – Graves County Middle School seventh graders, from left, Brooke Ellegood, Trinity Davenport, and Hailey Knisely work together on a project during Girls in Engineering Day.

The annual event offers girls a glimpse into a career in which women are underrepresented. Another program, Project Lead the Way is a nationally-recognized pre-engineering curriculum that incorporates hands-on, project-based learning. Graves County High School is one of fewer than 25 high schools in Kentucky offering this advanced curriculum. To retain certification of its PLTW curriculum,

GCHS is required to develop a digital electronics class at a cost of $15,000. This is a one-time financial need and required to continue the program. Without it, the school not only is prohibited from helping current students progress, but would lose the certification to teach pre-engineering courses to students new to the program.

To learn more, phone teacher Abbie Morris at (270) 674-6242 or 328-6242, extension 2363, or email abbie.morris@graves.kyschools.us.