Project Lead the Way

Building Community Through STEM Outreach

Stevenson University is proud to be a Project Lead the Way (PLTW®) partner since 2007, when the University was selected by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to be Maryland’s University Affiliate for the PLTW® Biomedical Sciences program. Working with MSDE’s Division of College and Career Readiness and PLTW®, SU has participated in the development of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program on a national level and worked to expand and strengthen PLTW in the state of Maryland. SU is now a national PLTW® Training Partner and has trained over 1,500 high school teachers from across the country in this innovative STEM curriculum. In addition, SU offers college credit for students who complete the PLTW® Biomedical Sciences program and meet eligibility criteria and graduate credit for teachers who complete a PLTW core training.

Stevenson University has a rich history of providing high quality, career-orientated educational programs, and this partnership with MSDE and PLTW® is a natural extension of our collective efforts to prepare an educated, creative, and motivated workforce that will contribute to meeting the global challenges of the 21st century.

A National Leader

Project Lead the Way partners with thousands of schools across the country with an expansive network of talented educators and students.

Learn more about the organization at PLTW.org.

About Project Lead the Way

Who We Are

Project Lead The Way (PLTW®) is the nation’s leading provider of preK-12 STEM programs. Engaging curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate and community partners, empower and inspire students.

PLTW® delivers transformative learning experiences to elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. PLTW schools can be found in rural, urban, and suburban districts; across all income levels; as well as in public, private, and charter schools.

Learn more about the organization at PLTW.org

Our Programs

Project Lead The Way offers a different approach to learning and teaching. Through activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum, PLTW® gives students in pre-kindergarten through high school a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning. For teachers, our engaging, rigorous professional development model provides tools to empower students and transform the classroom into a collaboration space where content comes to life.

PLTW curricular programs include PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, and PLTW Computer Science.

Learn more about PLTW programs.

High School Students Can Earn Transcripted College Credit

Students who complete all four courses in the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences program can apply to receive credit for Stevenson University’s BIO 113 General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics lecture and laboratory courses and BIO 222 Human Anatomy (see course descriptions below). For those students who meet the requirements, up to eight (8) credits can be awarded for BIO 113, BIO 113L, and BIO 222 from Stevenson University.

BIO 113 General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics (3 credits). Emphasizes the molecular nature of biology and biological principles that are common to all life. Topics covered relate to the physical and biochemical structure and function of cells and cell processes and genetics.

BIO 113L: General Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics (1 credit). Introduces experimental methods and techniques used in the biology laboratory. Topics relate to cell structure and function, and skills covered include the scientific method and experimental design, microscope and micropipette use, and aseptic technique.

BIO 222: Human Anatomy (4 credits). Introduces the gross and microscopic structure of the human body. Topics include histology (cells and tissues) and the eleven systems of the body. Laboratories include microscopic examination of cells and tissues, as well as dissection and study and identification of gross anatomical features. Laboratory included.

In order to earn up to 8 credits for BIO 113 General Biology I, BIO 113L General Biology I Laboratory, and BIO 222 Human Anatomy, students must fulfill ONE of the following sets of criteria:

  • Complete all four (4) courses in the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program. These include Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovation.
  • Earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all PLTW Biomedical Sciences courses, with no more than one grade of “C” in a PLTW course.
  • Earn a score of 420 or higher on at least two of the end-of-course exams for the Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, and Medical Interventions courses as described:

OR 

  • Complete all four (4) courses in the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program. These include Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovation.
  • Earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all PLTW Biomedical Sciences courses, with no more than one grade of “C” in a PLTW course.
  • Earn a score of 420 or higher on at least one of the end-of-course exams for the Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, and Medical Interventions courses.

How do I apply for credit for my PLTW courses?

In order to apply for Stevenson University credit for PLTW courses, students must follow the steps below:

  • At any time while you are taking the PLTW course sequence, complete the Intent to Apply Form. After you complete all of your PLTW courses, including Biomedical Innovation, print and complete the “Special Student Application – Project Lead The Way”.
  • Mail the completed Special Student Application, your official high school transcript showing the PLTW courses, and the required fee ($200 for 4 credits; $400 for 8 credits) to the address below. Checks should be made out to Stevenson University.

Meredith C. Durmowicz, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research
1525 Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, MD 21153

The application, transcript, and fee must be postmarked no later than August 1 of the year in which you graduate from high school.

If you are asking your high school to send your transcript directly to SU, please ensure that they use the address above and not the general university address.

Upon receipt of all necessary forms and verification of all eligibility criteria, the requested courses with a grade of “P” will be entered on the student’s Stevenson University transcript. A grade of “P” is equivalent to a C or better. Students may request an official Stevenson University transcript though the National Student Clearinghouse secure transcript ordering site.

Please Note: Stevenson University cannot guarantee whether or how any other institution will accept the credits that are offered for PLTW courses. Students planning to transfer their Stevenson University credits to another institution are advised to first check with their intended institution to confirm that the credits will be accepted. Students who plan to pursue postgraduate study in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine) are especially advised to speak with a pre-health professions advisor at their intended institutionSyllabi for BIO 113, BIO 113L, and BIO 222 can be provided upon request, if needed. Please contact Dr. Durmowicz at mdurmowicz@stevenson.edu

Contact Information

Program Director

Meredith C. Durmowicz, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research
1525 Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, MD 21153

Have a Question?

Contact STEM Initiatives
Owings Mills Campus
Kevin J. Manning Academic Center
443-394-9650
Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm