Workforce Development
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY
In partnership with Owen Valley High School and Boston Scientific, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) education programs. Students in the classroom are the main focus, always striving to find better ways to develop motivated, confident, interested students and ultimately create a more rewarding classroom environment for both students and teachers.
PLTW allows students to make a difference every day. With a hands-on, real-world curriculum, PLTW is the fastest-growing formal and rigorous STEM education program in the country. It offers courses in engineering and biomedical sciences for all students from middle through high school. They work with schools' existing programs, training teachers, and invite other educators and professionals to join the mission.
■ PLTW graduates are 5 to 10 times more likely than non-PLTW graduates to study postsecondary engineering and technology.
■ 95 percent of PLTW seniors say they're excited and prepared for college and careers.
■ 97 percent of PLTW seniors intend to pursue four-year degrees.
Use these links to find out more about the Engineering and Biomedical Sciences Curriculum and how the power of PLTW is working at Owen Valley High School.
OWEN COUNTY LEARNING NETWORK
To insure that Owen County's workforce remains competitive in an ever-changing global economy, the Owen County Learning Network offers a variety of programs:
1. The vision of Start Off Smart is to ensure that every child enters kindergarten prepared to learn. This vision is implemented by
scheduling home vists that provide parents with information and age appropriate resources for their children that build a foundation for learning.
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest and oldest youth mentoring organization in the United States, matching caring adults with
children ages six to eighteen years old, in one-on-one relationships. When children feel connected and valued by their community, they are less likely to
make bad decisions. Mentoring helps strengthen this connection.
3. Incentive Awards, High School Literacy & Mini Grants - in partnership with the local school corporation, students are awarded prizes
and/or monetary incentives for positive activities and achievements. In order to improve literacy, employment skills and dropout rates, OCLN helps
establish a workplace environment within the classroom. One of the best ways to prepare students for the job market is to ensure that they have the
necessary math and reading skills. Mini grants are also made available to teachers with innovative classroom ideas.
4. Rural Outreach - adult literacy and GED programs are at the heart of this program, which helps to bring functional literacy to community
members who wish to improve their reading and writing skills. Rural outreach focuses upon in-home visits from volunteers.
5. Adult Learning - adult learning, computer classes, roving lab, community enrichment are just a few of the programs that address the
continuing education needs of Owen County's adult population.
The OCLN understands that learning increases our knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. It brings satisfaction and joy to our lives.
A community is made stronger as people of all ages learn together and help each other become better learners. The quality of life for each and every person is improved. Contact the Owen County Learning Network at PO Box 603, 1601 Flatwoods Rd., Spencer, IN 47460 - (812) 829-5869 - mariaoconnor@sbcglobal.net. Offers a variety of programs and services in partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The Owen County Express
office in Spencer recently relocated to 607 West Morgan Street (formerly located at 205 E. Morgan Street, Suite B). Their number is (812) 829-6511.