Andersen’s donates $20K to school district

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The Andersen Corporate Foundation has awarded a $20,500 grant to the Hudson School District to support Project Lead the Way, a nationally acclaimed pre-engineering program that promotes math, science and technology skills for middle and high school students using engineering problem-solving as a framework.

Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten told School Board members that Project Lead the Way is a good fit with the district’s strategic plan, HSD 2025, which seeks to make Hudson students competitive in a global economy.

“Project Lead the Way not only teaches core concepts but strengthens students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills,” said the superintendent.

The first PLTW course to be taught is Introduction to Engineering Design, and 59 students have enrolled. The course uses computer modeling software to assist students in learning the process of product design.

Students are expected to solve design problems as they develop, create and analyze product models. HHS technical education teacher Dan Weiland underwent training this summer in preparation for the course he will teach.

Next year Principles of Engineering will be added to the course selection. In this course students examine various technology systems and manufacturing processes while exploring careers in technology, math and science.

The third year Digital Electronics will be added. This course uses computer simulations to learn about the logic of electronics as students design, test and construct circuits and devices.

Bowen-Eggebraaten thanked the Andersen Corporate Foundation for their support and said the money will be used toward the purchase of curriculum materials and software for the class.

For more information about Project Lead the Way, contact HHS Principal Ed Lucas at (715) 377-3800.

Tags: andersen corporation, high school, business, industry, donation, engineering