InspirED: A PLTW Podcast

In this episode, Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with Harshita Mankotia, for another in our series of PLTW Alumni Spotlight episodes.

Listen as Harshita shares her experiences during her high school years with PLTW, how they shaped her thinking, her professional goals, and led her to where she is now.

What better way to learn about the true impact of authentic, career-focused, hands-on learning experiences, than from the perspective of a student who chose to apply what she learned in PLTW courses directly towards her career goals?

Our Alumni Spotlight episodes are invigorating and motivating for educators and are also exceptional resources for teachers and school counselors to share with current middle/high school students who are looking for evidence that can help them better envision their professional futures.

Takeaways:

• See the impact of PLTW courses on actual students.
• Get a learner’s perspective on what PLTW means to them.
• Hear a story about how STEM learning in middle/high school can provide students with much needed guidance towards discovering their passions/interests and pursuing them after high school.

Host: 

Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way

Guests:

Harshita Mankotia 

St. Ambrose University | Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2030 

Collegiate Mentor | Iowa Governor's Youth STEM Advisory Council

Resources:

St. Ambrose University: https://sau.edu/

First Robotics: https://www.firstinspires.org/

John Deere: https://www.deere.com/en-us/

Moline Technology and Innovation Center: https://ewi.org/john-deere-moline-technology-innovation-center-is-ewi-member/

Her 7th-grade Design and Modeling class sparked an interest in engineering—find out why: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics

Teach students how to build their own bridge toward the future before they even reach high school. This class shows them how: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Gateway/CourseDocuments/AR_UnitOutline_Gateway.pdf

Taking risks and persevering through failure helps build confidence and improve designs. And that’s the type of learning that changes lives. Here’s one teacher’s take: https://www.pltw.org/blog/great-lessons-learned-through-automation-and-robotics

Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software from 7th grade gave Harshita a competitive edge. Explore the value of a CAD certification: https://www.pltw.org/blog/earning-cad-certification

Through FIRST Robotics, students learn how to think like engineers, manufacturers, and computer scientists. Here’s how to bring it into your classroom: https://community.firstinspires.org/extending-hands-stem-beyond-project-lead-way-classroom

In this episode, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with Jessica Tickle and Karen Hirschy to talk about the importance of Cybersecurity Education in our high schools. This episode is all about learning, as our expert PLTW teachers will discuss everything from fundamental Cybersecurity information, all the way through its immense impact on today’s college and career-ready PLTW classrooms.

Takeaways:

• Cybersecurity education is a vital piece of a well-rounded, career-ready high school curriculum.
• Cybersecurity teaches students complex, problem-based thinking strategies, along with numerous transferable skills that translate into academic and professional success.
• Expert PLTW teachers help remove the “stigma” that some may hold towards the term “hacker”.
• Overview of teaching and learning with PLTW’s Cybersecurity course, within the Computer Science Pathway.
• Teachers/District leaders become interested in expanding their PLTW offerings to include a PLTW Cybersecurity course.

Host: 

Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media & Community Engagement

Guests:

Jessica Tickle, PLTW Engineering and Cybersecurity Instructor at Shawnee Mission School District for Academic Achievement.

Karen Hirschy, PLTW Computer Science and Cybersecurity Instructor at Homestead High School in the Southwest Allen County School District in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Resources:

What’s the role of ethical security hacking in keeping data safe? How can our personal information be used in social engineering? Students need to know—and they’ll uncover the answers in lessons from the PLTW Cybersecurity course: https://www.pltw.org/high-school-cybersecurity-curriculum

Higher-order skills are integral to authentic cybersecurity work. Understanding how systems work, keeping spaces safe, and ensuring everyone knows how to protect their PPI is just the start. See what else matters: https://www.pltw.org/blog/cybersecurity-education-high-school-students 

KC STEM Alliance increases access to STEM education and readiness for a complex cyberworld—see what they’re doing and how it’s impacting communities: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf

Basic computing skills aren’t enough anymore—and every student needs to be ready for a changing digital economy: https://www.pltw.org/computer-science-foundations-curriculum

Keeping information safe from hackers is everyone’s responsibility. Do your district’s career pathways integrate cybersecurity in practical, career-specific ways? This webinar will teach you how: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/cte20260827/

Can you build computational thinking and coding skills without sitting in front of a screen? With the Rosie’s Runtime activity, even PreK students can! Get it free here: https://www.pltw.org/rosies-runtime

In this episode, Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with Brian Bobbitt a PLTW Master Teacher, and Chris Woods, aka @dailySTEM and PLTW teacher, to open-up about teacher motivation/goal setting, getting out of your comfort zone, and ways teachers can make big impacts in their schools and classrooms to ensure that the 2026-27 school year is a success.

Part of success is being empowered with all the resources you need to succeed.  In Part 2 of this episode, we talk about several golden opportunities to enhance your PLTW programs including:

• PLTW’s Fall Grants Campaign
• PLTW’s Brand New School Counselor Guide
• Welcome to the PLTW Community on myPLTW
• The latest news and notes from PLTW to help you hit the ground running this Fall.

Takeaways:

• Ideas from experienced teachers on how to best channel early school year energy in the classroom.
• Ways to be resourceful with classroom materials and resources to continue learning.
• Where PLTW teachers/leaders can find up-to-date information about:
• PLTW STEM Grants
• Our new Counselor Guide for High School Counselors
• The PLTW Community within myPLTW
• The immense value of outreach on social media to create PLTW teacher groups.

Host(s):

Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way

Marcus Painter, Director, Social Media & Community Engagement

Guests:

Brian Bobbitt

• PLTW Master Teacher IED | POE
• PLTW National Outstanding Teacher Winner
• Vanderburgh County Teacher of the Year
• McDonald’s Outstanding Educator
• Ace Educator of the Year

Chris Woods

• Math/Science/STEM/PLTW Teacher at Southwest Middle High - Academia Bilingüe 
• Author
• Podcaster

Callista Mason, VP of Grants at PLTW

Alan Veach, SVP of Organizational Learning & Development at PLTW

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Connect:

Find Brian Bobbitt:

Website: http://3dbrian.com

YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/brianbobbitt3d

Book: http://tinyurl.com/3dchampionbook

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbobbitt/

Find Chris Woods:

Website: dailystem.com

Book: https://dailystem.com/books/ 

@DailySTEM on:  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Facebook      

Chris’s Podcast:  STEM Everyday Podcast

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Resources:

• Check-out Mark Rober on YouTube!
• Download the guide for school counselors + career pathway conversations: https://www.pltw.org/counselor-resources
• AI readiness is a must for students. This safe, collaborative course was designed with industry to ensure it’s career-ready, too: https://www.pltw.org/principles-of-ai-course-outline
• These grants are simple to complete, easy to submit, and worth your time. Explore and apply for PLTW Grants: https://www.pltw.org/funding
• Here’s what Dave learned during a visit to his alma mater—the same school Brian teaches at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/more-questions-than-answers-what-i-learned-from-my-dimmett-edd-rwroc
• Teacher training shouldn’t be sit-and-get, and PLTW’s isn’t. It’s active, engaging, and immersive: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-core-training-connects-teachers-to-network-of-support
• Educators know failure doesn’t mean it’s over; it means there’s opportunity to learn and improve. https://www.pltw.org/blog/stem-national-winners

In this episode, Rocky Valadez, Senior Vice President of Engagement at Project Lead The Way chats with three Biomedical Science educators to learn more about how to build tomorrow’s healthcare innovators.

Today’s biomedical workforce extends far beyond traditional clinical roles like doctors and nurses. This episode explores how K–12 schools and districts can expand student awareness of biomedical career pathways, including biomedical science, biomedical engineering, laboratory sciences, health informatics, research, and technology innovation. 

This episode is for district leaders, school administrators, and CTE decision-makers, and highlights how interdisciplinary learning and intentional pathway design can help schools align biomedical education with real-world workforce demands and post-secondary opportunities. 

Takeaways:

• How to expand student awareness of biomedical careers beyond doctors and nurses
• Ways to integrate biomedical science with computer science, engineering, and CTE pathways
• How industry certifications, licenses, and credentials connect learning to meaningful careers
• Strategies for building biomedical pathways that start before high school
• How to leverage college credit and post-secondary partnerships to give students a head start

Host:

Rocky Valadez

SVP of Engagement

Guests:

Julye Adams – Biomedical Sciences Teacher, Scott County Public Schools

Michelle Lawrence – Medicine & Healthcare Instructor, Northland CAPS

Joe McCollum – Biomedical Science Teacher, Central Valley School District

Resources:

Students are incredible—especially when they’re given the space to create and innovate; check out this award-winning, student-led community education initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFhkSEWNRbQ 

Two high schools implemented biomed and healthcare programs differently, both with stellar results: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-two-high-schools-implement-pltw-biomedical-science 

Middle school CTE looks like designing prosthetics, investigating medical mysteries, and making a local impact: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 

Nursing careers take students on career journeys they never expected—these PLTW alums discovered meaningful professions: https://www.pltw.org/blog/stem-to-rn-nursing-careers 

How can students get high-quality job roles right after high school? Combine place-based learning with industry certifications and nondegree credentials: https://www.pltw.org/industry-recognized-credentials?type=%22Biomedical+Science%22&search=#:~:text=PLTW%20Biomedical%20Science%20(BMS) 

Biotechnology innovation is a high-value, high-demand career path—Bolarin Lawrence shares his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJP-8XOTKxE&list=PLcCTPHuIP75Lk1HB7a00OYD295-1QamJk&index=2&t=2s&pp=iAQB 

In our latest PLTW Alumni Spotlight episode, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down to chat with Sophia Craig, a Sophomore at Kansas State University.

Sophia shares her journey through Project Lead The Way courses in high school, how they shaped her learning and future aspirations, and how the hands-on, career-connected, and project based learning she experienced in high school is already leading her to success at the collegiate level.

This will be an excellent episode for PLTW teachers to share with their students!

Host:

Marcus Painter

Director, Social Media and Community Engagement

Guests:

Sophia Craig

PLTW Alumni, Student at Kansas State University

Recording Date:

June 4th, 2026

Resources:

• PLTW Engineering courses helped Sophia see how incorporating her own style and interests can lead to true innovation: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum/pltw-engineering#civil-engineering-and-architecture
• 2026 marked the tenth year of PLTW at Bishop Miege—hear from more of their alums about what they learned and how they use it today: https://bishopmiege.com/celebrating-a-decade-of-pltw-alumni-share-their-journeys/
• Former PLTW students can boost their proof of readiness by adding a badge to their LinkedIn profile: https://www.pltw.org/blog/showcase-your-pltw-skills-on-linkedin-with-new-profile-badges
• Combining STEM and art expands creativity, engagement, and confidence among students—here’s the approach one school took: https://www.pltw.org/blog/engineering-design-and-development-edd-students-collaborate-with-art-class-peers
• Regional ecosystems like KC STEM Alliance are catalysts for local innovation and economic growth; here’s how: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf

In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement chats with Tory Spanier and Seth Ponder about teachers can best Sail into the summer! All teachers will have actionable takeaways from this episode!  Sail into summer with a little help from a couple of the best teachers we know!

Host:

Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media & Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way

Guests:

Tory Spanier, PLTW Master Teacher from Delano High School, in Delano Minnesota.

Seth Ponder, Computer Science and Engineering teacher at Riley High School, in South Bend, Indiana.

Recording Date:

May 7, 2026

Resources:

• Middle school teachers bring high-impact, meaningful explorations of biomedical engineering through the Design and Modeling unit from PLTW Gateway: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics
• Riley High School students and educators share the “why” behind their passion for project-based learning and PLTW: https://wsbt.com/news/local/stem-education-hands-on-project-problem-based-high-school-south-bend-riley-national-recognition-innovation-career
• How Tory Spanier took risks and build a network of support, exemplifying perseverance and curiosity to his students: https://youtu.be/svO1gDuBN6k?t=237 
• Explore an educator’s journey from PLTW student to Master Teacher: https://www.pltw.org/blog/from-pltw-student-to-master-teacher
• What’s different about instructor-led, collaborative professional learning? Hear about it from teachers who’ve attended: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-teachers-find-real-world-lessons-and-year-long-advice-during-pltw-core-training
• When students don’t see the difference between learning for the future and learning to pass the test, here’s what happens: https://www.pltw.org/blog/connecting-the-classroom-to-your-community

Connect on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RileyEngineeringMagnet

Instagram: @rileyhighpltw

In the latest episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, we bring together voices from both Project Lead The Way and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to discuss how our collaboration has already impacted AI in education, created a roadmap for today, and clarified a vision for tomorrow.

You’ll hear how PLTW and AWS strive to make AI ethical, effective, and efficient in today’s educational landscape. We aren’t talking about hypotheticals and “What if’s”. We are talking about the realities of today and how educational leaders can leverage AI in positive ways through understanding, ethics, and empowerment.

Host:

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way

Guests:

Sara Seba, Manager of Customer Solutions and Specialists, for Global Nonprofits at AWS

Brian Greiwe, EVP and Chief Technical Officer of Project Lead The Way

Recording Date:

Wednesday April 8, 2026

Resources:

Principles of AI (grades 9–12)—a one-semester course that builds AI skills for the future of work, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital literacy: https://www.pltw.org/principles-of-ai

A collaborative training that empowers PreK–12 educators to confidently use AI to enhance planning, teaching, and career readiness strategies: https://www.pltw.org/professional-development/training-schedules?program=*&course=%22Demystifying+AI+in+Education%22&type=*&location=*&search=

What exclusive access to a globally recognized CompTIA Security+ certification can do for future cybersecurity professionals:  https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-announces-strategic-partnership-with-comptia-to-launch-cybersecurity-accreditation

How the latest PLTW and AWS collaboration is accelerating access to AI education by expanding supports for students and teachers: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-named-winner-of-2025-amazon-web-services-imagine-grant-for-nonprofits 

Preparing students and educators for the future of work requires a national AI strategy like PLTW's: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-launches-national-ai-strategy-to-prepare-students-and-educators-for-the-future-of-work

The AI curriculum pilot expected to reach 1,600 students and 30 school districts in Massachusetts: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/new-ai-curriculum-pilot-to-reach-1600-massachusetts-students-across-30-school-districts

Connect on Social Media:

AWS (Amazon Web Services on LinkedIn)

AWS Nonprofits on X

Sara Seba on LinkedIn

In the latest episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, we bring together voices from both Project Lead The Way and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to discuss how our collaboration has already impacted AI in education, created a roadmap for today, and clarified a vision for tomorrow.

You’ll hear how PLTW and AWS strive to make AI ethical, effective, and efficient in today’s educational landscape.  We aren’t talking about hypotheticals and “What if’s”. We are talking about the realities of today and how educational leaders can leverage AI in positive ways through understanding, ethics, and empowerment.

Host:

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way

Guests:

Sara Seba, Manager of Customer Solutions and Specialists, for Global Nonprofits at AWS

Brian Greiwe, EVP and Chief Technical Officer of Project Lead The Way

Recording Date:

Wednesday April 8, 2026

Resources:

Principles of AI (grades 9–12)—a one-semester course that builds AI skills for the future of work, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital literacy: https://www.pltw.org/principles-of-ai

A collaborative training that empowers PreK–12 educators to confidently use AI to enhance planning, teaching, and career readiness strategies: https://www.pltw.org/professional-development/training-schedules?program=*&course=%22Demystifying+AI+in+Education%22&type=*&location=*&search=

What exclusive access to a globally recognized CompTIA Security+ certification can do for future cybersecurity professionals:  https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-announces-strategic-partnership-with-comptia-to-launch-cybersecurity-accreditation

How the latest PLTW and AWS collaboration is accelerating access to AI education by expanding supports for students and teachers: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-named-winner-of-2025-amazon-web-services-imagine-grant-for-nonprofits 

Preparing students and educators for the future of work requires a national AI strategy like PLTW's: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-launches-national-ai-strategy-to-prepare-students-and-educators-for-the-future-of-work

The AI curriculum pilot expected to reach 1,600 students and 30 school districts in Massachusetts: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/new-ai-curriculum-pilot-to-reach-1600-massachusetts-students-across-30-school-districts

Connect on Social Media:

AWS (Amazon Web Services on LinkedIn)

AWS Nonprofits on X

Sara Seba on LinkedIn

In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with three PLTW social media influencers to share their stories, vision, and advice on how to leverage social media to enhance their classrooms, programs, schools, and districts.

• Are you a PLTW teacher on the fence about creating social media content from your classroom?  
• Are you a building or district leader who needs creative ways to tell the story of your school/district?  
• Why not learn from some of the best social media influencers out there?
• Tune-in, learn, and connect!

Host: Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way

Guests:

• Leah Pelletier, Biomedical Science teacher, McHenry Community High School, District 156, McHenry, IL.
• Thomas Pfeiffer, STEM 2/Magnet Science teacher at Margaret Mead Junior High, School District 54, Schaumburg, IL.
• Sarah McCambridge, Marketing Director, Bishop Miege Catholic High School in Roeland Park, KS of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Resources:

• More social media promotion ideas from PLTW educators: https://www.pltw.org/blog/5-reasons-to-use-social-media-when-teaching-pltw
• How PLTW alums can showcase their skills on LinkedIn: https://www.pltw.org/blog/showcase-your-pltw-skills-on-linkedin-with-new-profile-badges
• Explore the curriculum these educators highlight at their schools: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum 

Leah Pelletier

• MCHS BioMed on Instagram
• https://www.dist156.org/

Thomas Pfeifer

• @thescienceseekersshow on YouTube
• @thescienceseekersshow on Instagram
• Mead Junior High on Facebook
• Mead Junior High on Instagram
• Website: https://mead.sd54.org/
• Schaumburg 54 Schools on Instagram
• Website: https://sd54.org/

Sarah McCambridge

• Sarah on LinkedIn
• School Website
• Bishop Miege on Instagram
• Bishop Miege High School on LinkedIn

As part of our celebration of National Engineers Week, we decided to invite an amazing PLTW teacher and two future engineers and former PLTW students to talk about what it takes to make their career dreams a reality. 

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with PLTW teacher, Christopher Desmond, and two of his former students, Kammy Blake and Kevin Morris. 

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Host:  

Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way

Guest(s): 

• Christopher Desmond, CTE Teacher at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 
• Kameran Blake, Junior Mechanical Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  
• Kevin Morris, Junior Civil Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Resources: 

College readiness improves for students who take at least one PLTW Engineering course—see the proof: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/PLTW_Texas_OnePager.pdf  

Students who take more than one PLTW high school course are twice as likely to enroll in college and three times as likely to pursue a STEM major: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 

Experience with industry-specific tools like Multism sets PLTW Engineering students apart from their peers: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-ni-engineering-software-partnership 

Learn how Alex from Phillips 66 went from high school engineering to Phillips 66 Commercial and Business Development Senior Director: https://www.pltw.org/blog/phillips-66-pltw-partner-spotlight-engineering-career 

Ardagh Group provides real-world career readiness and work-based learning: https://www.pltw.org/blog/ardagh-group-prepares-pltw-students-for-future-careers-in-their-own-communities 

Rural communities and school districts are getting ready for a growing opportunity in advanced manufacturing: https://www.pltw.org/blog/closing-manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools 

See the data behind the educational opportunity in advanced manufacturing boom: https://www.pltw.org/manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools-infographic 

Schools that combine the power of PLTW and NAF expand college and career readiness in high school: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 

Middle school students apply pre-engineering knowledge to develop prosthetics for community members: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 

A 48-hour innovation challenge gives PLTW Engineering students the chance to show off their skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 

National Engineers Week: https://www.nspe.org/connect/partners/engineers-week 

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Connect on Social Media: 

Internship Company Website - Oerlikon 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering Website 

UNC Charlotte Engineering - Instagram 

Facebook:  

Hopewell Engineering and Manufacturing 

Hopewell High School CMS 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

UNC Charlotte Engineering 

LinkedIn:   

Christopher Desmond 

Kameran Blake 

Kevin Morris 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

Superintendent - Crystal Hill, Ed.D. - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

Instagram: 

Hopewell High School   

Hopewell Admin School  

Hopewell Engineering/Manufacturing