PLTW Launch - New Program (John Deere) Grant

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

John Deere Foundation has partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM. This partnership is part of the John Deere Foundation's Bold Commitments to support 1 million underserved and underrepresented youth by 2030.
As part of their 10-year commitment, the John Deere Foundation is dedicated to ensuring inclusive and equitable student access to resources and educational opportunities critical for human dignity and self-sufficiency.
PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges. Through this partnership, John Deere Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW Launch programs beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Eligibility

Program Requirements:Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2023-2024 academic year and must offer one additional module each academic year of the grant period (two different modules in two years). Schools may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing.School Type: Public, Private, CharterGeographic Area: Eligible schools must be located within 40 miles of the following John Deere facilities: Georgia: Augusta
Illinois: Champaign, Quad Cities
Iowa: Des Moines, Dubuque, Ottumwa, Paton, Quad Cities, Waterloo
Tennessee: Greeneville
Wisconsin: HoriconOr within 15 miles of the following John Deere facilities:California: Torrance
Illinois: Chicago
Texas: AustinSchools, or school districts, must enroll at least 50% of students who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.Allowable Expenses: PLTW Participation Fee; Required computers and/or tablets; Program required equipment and supplies; PLTW Core Training and the following related expenses incurred: travel, room, and board

Ineligibility

Unallowable Expenses: Benefits; Meals; Infrastructure; Renovations; Indirect Costs; Equipment and supplies listed as Optional; Training Cancellation Fees; Training Substitution Fees; Trainings where there was a no-show; Trainings where a credential was not earned; Salaries; Stipends for use during PLTW Core Training; Stipends unrelated to PLTW Core Training; Any other expenses not specified as allowable