Project Lead the Way
Pathways
- PLTW Biomedical Science (9-12) Pathway
- PLTW Computer Science (9-12) Pathway
- PLTW Engineering (9-12) Pathway
PLTW Biomedical Science (9-12) Pathway

Empower Tomorrow's Biomedical Science Professionals Today
Whether discovering new cancer treatments or teaching healthy lifestyle choices to their communities, today’s biomedical science professionals are tackling big challenges to make the world a better place. PLTW Biomedical Science students are taking on these same real-world challenges – and they’re doing it before they even graduate from high school. Working with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs, students engage in compelling, hands-on activities and work together to find solutions to problems. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
Principles of Biomedical Science
From design and data analysis to outbreaks, clinical empathy, health promotion, and more, students explore the vast range of careers in biomedical sciences. They develop not just technical skills, but also in-demand, transportable skills that they need to thrive in life and career.
Human Body Systems
Through projects such as determining the identity of a skeleton using both forensic anthropology and DNA analysis, students examine the interactions of human body systems and apply what they know to solve real-world medical cases.
Medical Interventions
Students delve into activities like designing a prosthetic arm as they follow the life of a fictitious family and investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
Biomedical Innovation
Students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design their own innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century.
The Smart Scholar - Early College High School Program was designed to increase high school graduation and postsecondary degree completion rates among historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged students. Beginning July 2020, the Mount Vernon City School District began a cohort of 125 incoming 9th grade students. Those students who successfully completed the recruitment and admission process will begin receiving academic and socio-emotional supports that will address the students’ needs and begin to prepare them for their inevitable college experience via a summer bridge program.
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Smart Scholar Program Partner – Concordia College (MVSA)
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Smart Scholar Program Partner – Mercy College (MVHS)
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Smart Scholar Program Partner – Mercy College (DWSA)
PLTW Computer Science (9-12) Pathway

Building a Strong Foundation for College and Career
Whether building apps to meet client needs or exploring cybersecurity, PLTW Computer Science engages students in interdisciplinary activities that not only build knowledge and skills in computer science, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. The program’ s courses empowers students with in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they choose.
Computer Science Essentials
Students will experience the major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A.
Computer Science Principles
Using Python® as a primary tool, students explore and become inspired by career paths that utilize computing, discover tools that foster creativity and collaboration, and use what they’ve learned to tackle challenges like app development and simulation. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam for college credit.
Computer Science A
Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science A exam for college credit.
Cybersecurity
Whether seeking a career in the growing field of cybersecurity or learning to defend their own personal data or a company’s data, students in Cybersecurity establish an ethical code of conduct while learning to defend data in today’s complex cyberworld.
PLTW Engineering (9-12) Pathway

PLTW Engineering Students Become Tomorrow's Problem Solvers Today
From launching space explorations to delivering safe, clean water to communities, engineers find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality. PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program’ s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
Engineering Essentials
Students explore the breadth of engineering career opportunities and experiences as they solve engaging and challenging real-world problems like creating a natural relief center system or creating a solution to improve the safety and well-being of local citizens.
Introduction to Engineering Design
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects like designing a new toy or improving an existing product.
Principles of Engineering
Students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, strength of structure and materials, and automation, and then they apply what they know to take on challenges like designing a self-powered car.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Students discover and explore manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation, and then they apply what they have learned to design solutions for real-world manufacturing problems.
