Originally published by The Waukesha Freeman
WAUKESHA — Catholic Memorial High School announced this week it has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW (Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering).
CMH is one of just 209 schools across the U.S. and one of only 22 high schools in Wisconsin to receive the honor, and one of only two schools in Wisconsin to earn the honor for a fourth consecutive year.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of K-12 students and teachers in over 10,500 schools across the U.S. to develop and apply indemand, transportable skills by exploring realworld challenges.
“Catholic Memorial has put a focus on creating limitless opportunities for our students to excel. PLTW and STEM courses open doors for students today and in careers of the future. We’re so proud of their success,” said Mary Petrie, Innovative & Entrepreneurship Dept. chair and PLTW engineering instructor. “Currently, 51% of students at CMH are enrolled in our STEM program. We have expanded our computer science and biomedical science classes, and the engineering strand continues to grow. We are so grateful for the involvement of our community business partners and alumni. Their collaboration with CMH has provided internship opportunities, mentorship and financial support which has allowed our students to develop skills that will ensure their success in careers of the future.”
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, CMH had to meet multiple criteria including expanding STEM curriculum opportunities in Biomedical Science courses for students interested in the medical field and Computer Science classes for elevated opportunities in IT. Catholic Memorial 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 CMH’s STEM Program, visit www.catholicmemorial. net and to learn about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/ourprograms/ program-recognition.