ANGOLA, Ind. - Tri-State University will join institutions in 45 states and the District of Columbia in promoting Project Lead the Way (PLTW). This not-for-profit organization, developed in the 1980’s, encourages middle and high school students to participate in pre-engineering courses before entering college. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions, and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologist graduating from universities.

TSU will award students with a $500 scholarship if they take predetermined PLTW classes, maintain a “B” or better, and attend Tri-State University for engineering or technology. The scholarship will be renewable for up to three years and may be used in conjunction with other Tri-State University merit-based scholarships up to full tuition.

The Allen School of Engineering and Technology at TSU will award academic credit for select PLTW courses depending upon a student’s program of study.  PLTW courses eligible for transfer credit consideration include: Introduction to Engineering Design, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Engineering and Design and Development.

“To remain competitive in a global economy, the demand for scientists and engineers in the U.S. workforce continues to rise, and TSU is striving to meet that need,” said Dr. David Finley, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of Academic Affairs. “It is our hope that more students will pursue degrees in these fields because of these scholarships and the opportunity to obtain transfer credit for select PLTW courses.”

Those interested in learning more about the PLTW scholarships and transfer credit eligibility should contact the TSU Office of Admission at (800) 347-4878 or log on to www.tristate.edu. The PLTW scholarships and transfer credit will begin in the fall of 2006. However, the recruiting process for PLTW participants will begin immediately.