Poplar Bluff High School Receives $50,000 Grant for New Career Pathways Starting 2024/25

Poplar Bluff High School (PBHS) has been awarded a $50,000 grant. This funding will be used to create three new career pathways under Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a program that enhances the current curriculum in the R-I district. Starting in the 2024/25 academic year, students can choose from biomedical, computer science, and engineering programs. An additional algebra program will supplement the existing math curriculum.

PBHS Principal, Dr. Valerie Ivy, emphasized the significance of these programs. They aim to link students with community partners seeking skilled workers in these fields. According to Alana Dowdy, PLTW director of school success in Missouri, the Poplar Bluff School District is the first in Southeast Missouri to adopt all modules from the national curriculum provider.

In the past five years, the R-I district has obtained $130,000 in grants. This funding has been used to offer Launch at four elementary schools, Gateway classes at Junior High, and computer science at the Technical Career Center. The Board of Education has approved additional funding through Enhancement grants and the Perkins Act to train current teachers.

PBHS has also received a $16,000 National PLTW Grant for engineering and $14,000 for biomedical. The school was chosen as one of five districts to receive $20,000 for computer science out of over 100 applicants. These funds will cover curriculum costs, software, equipment, and supplies. Dr. Ivy mentioned that they are still seeking more external funding.

For the first year, science instructor Andrea Carroll will teach biomedical, science teacher Kara Cummings will oversee engineering, and Heather Pullam from the Business Department will lead computer science. Class sizes will be adjusted to accommodate the new career and technical education options. Last month, students made 72 out of 75 available course requests.

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