PLTW Launch - Program Expansion (John Deere) Grant

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth 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 2025-2026 academic year.
PLTW Program Status:

• Program Expansion

Eligibility

Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited:to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2025-2026 academic year.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: Santa Clara, Torrance
Kansas: Olathe
Texas: AustinSchools, or school districts, must enroll at least 50% of students who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.Allowable ExpensesPLTW Participation Fee; Required computers and/or tablets; Program required equipment and supplies; Equipment and supplies listed as Optional; PLTW Core Training and the following related expenses incurred: travel, room, and board

Ineligibility

Unallowable ExpensesBenefits; Meals; Infrastructure; Renovations; Indirect Costs; 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