Old Dominion University will host a specialized training program, starting Sunday, August. 3, created to provide tools to high school teachers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields to teach students who will become the nation's next generation of scientists, medical professionals and engineers.

Known as Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the program will attract teachers from across the state and from New Jersey for two weeks of activity-, project- and problem-based curriculum instruction designed tol help middle and high school students develop the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.

ODU is the Virginia affiliate school for PLTW, and serves as host site for these training workshops, run by Project Lead The Way master instructors. The session certifies teachers to instruct Introduction to Engineering Design, one of 10 PLTW courses offered to middle and high school students.

Linda Vahala, assistant dean of ODU's Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology, said the motivation that inspires PLTW is beneficial to all engineering schools, and to society.

"It opens up the idea of a STEM career to students who might never have considered it, otherwise. We get Project Lead The Way students at Old Dominion every year," Vahala said.

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. The organization works with state governments to form partnerships with public schools, universities and the private sector to encourage students to pursue engineering and science careers.

The project has established a strong national support system for student access to STEM studies in post-secondary education through relationships with colleges and universities across the United States. ODU is one of 150 colleges and universities across the country that actively recruits PLTW students and provides recognition opportunities, including admissions preference, scholarships and course credit.

PLTW collaborates closely with a those affiliated colleges and universities to work to grow and support PLTW programs in their states.

Affiliates represent an integral part of PLTW's work: They hold PLTW professional development training programs, host annual conferences for school administrators and counselors, provide ongoing support to PLTW schools, and offer a range of student recognition opportunities.