Allegany County Public Schools announced today that all three of its high schools that offer the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science program have been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way Distinguished School. These high schools are among a select group of schools across the U.S. to be recognized for their commitment to inspiring and engaging their students through the PLTW Biomedical Science program.

PLTW Biomedical Science introduces high school students to medicine and human body systems, as well as the wide array of biomedical science careers.  ACPS began the program in 2014 and currently has 340 students enrolled throughout the county. Throughout the program, students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals, preparing them for careers in medical and health-related fields. 

"We take great pride in our Biomedical Science program in Allegany County. Our dedicated and passionate teachers offer exceptional instruction, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the biomedical field. The program thrives on strong stakeholder engagement and incorporates hands-on activities that enhance learning and foster real-world experience,” Joseph Brewer, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education.

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, all three schools had to meet multiple criteria in the 2023-24 school year such as number of PLTW courses available to students, percent of students enrolled in PLTW, and percent of students taking more than one PLTW course. Allegany High School was honored with this distinction in 2019-2020, but this is the first time for Fort Hill and Mountain Ridge to receive this honor.

PLTW high school programs prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow, by not only incorporating STEM skills into their learning but building students’ collaboration, teamwork and communication skills so they can be ready for whatever path they take.