Diamond Bar High School Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students for the Second Consecutive Year

Named a distinguished school for STEM and career learning program

DIAMOND BAR, California – Diamond Bar High School announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW Engineering. It is one of just 64 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor and only one of three schools in California to receive this award in consecutive years.  PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.

“We are incredibly proud of our PLTW Engineering students and instructor, Mr. Johnny Hwang, for their commitment to this rigorous academic program and achievements in STEM fields.  These students are developing the critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to navigate the real-world challenges that must be addressed by the next generation of engineers, scientists, mathematicians and leaders.  We have an increasing number of our PLTW students applying their learning beyond the classroom by participating in both regional and national science, technology, engineering, robotics and mathematics competitions.  We are honored to partner with such talented students and look forward to the continued achievement of our PLTW students as they pursue future degrees and careers in STEM fields.”  - Reuben Jones, Principal, Diamond Bar High School

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, Diamond Bar High School had to meet the following criteria during the 2017-18 school year:

• Offer at least three PLTW courses;
• Have of those who participated in PLTW, at least 33 percent took two or more PLTW courses during their high school tenure;
• Have 70 percent of students or more earn a Proficient or higher on PLTW End-of-Course Assessments

Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.  PLTW Engineering^TM empowers high school students to step into the role of an engineer and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Students engage in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a toy, programming electronic devices or robotic assembly lines, and designing circuits to fit on a printed circuit board.

“It is a great honor to recognize Diamond Bar High School for their commitment to students,” said Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They are a model for what school should look like, and they should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”

Diamond Bar High School is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.

For more information on Diamond Bar High School’s PLTW program, contact Alina Gallardo at [email protected] or Gabe Aguilar at [email protected].

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 11,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.