P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville recently announced that it has been recognized as a 2025-26 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School.
According to a P.K. Yonge press release, “PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.”
P.K. Yonge is among a select group of high schools throughout the nation to receive the PLTW Distinguished School recognition, which, the release said, “honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs.”
Through its PLTW Engineering program, the release states that P.K. Yonge is helping students build transferable skills needed to be successful in an ever-evolving world.
“Being recognized as a PLTW Distinguished School reflects P.K. Yonge’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences,” said Dr. Ashley Pennypacker Hill, P.K. Yonge secondary principal, in the release. “Our PLTW Engineering program challenges students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and collaborate in ways that mirror today’s workforce. We are proud to provide opportunities that help students discover their passions while building the skills and confidence needed for their future careers.”
According to the release, P.K. Yonge had to meet several criteria in the 2024-25 school year to be eligible for the PLTW Distinguished School designation, including the percentage of students enrolled in PLTW, the number of PLTW courses available to students and the percentage of students taking more than one PLTW course.
“We are proud to honor P.K. Yonge for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO, in the release. “Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next.”
P.K. Yonge is part of a national network of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and over 100 industry partners joined in the mission to prepare students for school, work and life.
For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition.