About Pit Admin | VEX Robotics World Championship
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Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) are joining forces to enhance engineering and robotics education. This partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations to provide students with industry-recognized credentials and cutting-edge curriculum.
PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum aligns closely with RECF’s Pre-Engineering and Robotics certifications, providing students with a strong foundation for these industry-recognized credentials (IRCs). PLTW acknowledges the small gaps that exist and offers recommendations to bridge them, ensuring students are well-prepared for RECF’s certification exams. These IRCs, designed by a team of accomplished professionals including engineers, college professors, and high school teachers, address the global need for more students in STEM fields.
The Pre-Engineering certification covers a range of specialties, including Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science/Programming, Electrical, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, and Mechanical Pre-Engineering. For students interested in robotics, the RECF Robotics Certification builds on the Fundamentals of Engineering and incorporates Computer Science/Programming, Electrical Pre-Engineering, and Mechanical Pre-Engineering. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern robotics industry.
“We’ve heard from our PLTW educators that there is eagerness around implementing industry-recognized credentials in our PLTW courses and curriculum, and this is the first step towards reaching that on a broader level,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “Partnering with RECF to provide this to our students is one step closer to preparing our future engineers with resources they need to be workforce ready.”
The partnership between PLTW and RECF is particularly beneficial for schools and students in the 14 states where RECF IRCs are currently approved for CTE/Perkins funding. These states include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Industry giants such as Northrop Grumman Foundation, Harris Corporation, and AML have also endorsed these certifications, underscoring their relevance and value in the job market.
“Today’s workforce is rapidly evolving and STEM skills are more essential now than ever.” said Dan Mantz, CEO of the RECF. “PLTW’s excellent programs prepare students for those critical technology driven careers. The RECF is pleased to partner with PLTW to provide our recognized Industry Certifications as an additional resource for this new generation of innovators who are preparing to meet the demands of the modern workforce.”
While PLTW’s curriculum aligns strongly with RECF’s certifications, it’s important to note that some additional preparation may be necessary. This can be achieved through participation in science courses, CTE programs, and robotics competitions. The detailed topic documentation and practice exams provided by RECF serve as excellent resources for students preparing for these certifications.
For students particularly interested in robotics, participation in afterschool robotics programs can significantly enhance their chances of success on the RECF IRC. However, it’s worth noting that experience in competitive programs can vary widely.
This partnership between PLTW and RECF represents a significant step forward in preparing students for careers in engineering and robotics. By combining PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum with RECF’s industry-recognized certifications, we’re creating a powerful pathway for students to develop the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of STEM.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that this collaboration between PLTW and RECF will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers and robotics professionals. Together, we’re not just teaching STEM; we’re inspiring innovation and building the workforce of tomorrow.
