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DRHS Receives National Recognition
from Project Lead The Way
May 2025
Dakota Ridge High School has again been named a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of just a few hundred high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Engineering. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S, aiming to make every student in every grade STEM successful.
DRHS re-established their PLTW Engineering program in 2019 with the previously taught classes PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design and PLTW Principles of Engineering. In the following years we added PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing, PLTW Digital Electronics, PLTW Aerospace Engineering and the senior capstone class PLTW Engineering Design & Development. In the last three years 7 students have earned their STEM Endorsed Diploma with the STEM Capstone Project they completed in this class. Students are encouraged to take at least one engineering course each year. So far 18 DRHS students have completed the PTLW Engineering Program with 3 or more of these classes.
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, DRHS had to meet multiple criteria such as the number of PLTW courses available to students, percentage of students taking more than one PLTW course, and efforts to ensure access to PLTW courses.
PLTW high school programs prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow, by not only incorporating STEM skills into their learning but building students’ collaboration, teamwork and communication skills so they can be ready for whatever path they take.
For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW)- Engineering Program
Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. PLTW.org
Pictured are Ezikiel Kuntz, Logan Kelly, and Gabe DeSilva who graduated in 2021. Ezikiel was the first DRHS student to earn a stole for completing the PLTW Engineering Program. Logan and Gabe were the first to earn cords for participating on our school's FIRST Robotics Competition team all 4 years of high school.
PLTW Engineering - Graduates
PLTW Engineering - Graduates
DRHS students that complete the PLTW Engineering Program are recognized at graduation with a stole to wear over their gowns. The completion of 3 or 4 years of engineering in high school is a clear sign to colleges and employers that these students are focused and ready for the next step in their career path.
Ezekiel Kuntz was the first DRHS student completed the program in 2021. The next year Ethan Klingenberg, Antonio Ortiz, Russel Dame graduated with that distinction, followed by Tori Field, Nevaeh Montoya, Eamon Ferrell, Karis Fridgen, Nick Wiechert and Riley Ford the year after that. In 2024 Ethan Sheehan, Joe LeMier, and Mason Eldridge finish the program and also earned their professional certification in the 3D modeling software, Autodesk Fusion 360.
2025 Graduation will recognize Brandon LaGuardia, Gage Sorenson, and Hunter Nieto-Jaquess for completing the PLTW Engineering Program.
PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design
9TH OR 10TH GRADE
9TH OR 10TH GRADE
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects like designing a new toy or improving an existing product.
10th or 11th grade
10th or 11th grade
Students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, strength of structure and materials, and automation, and then they apply what they know to take on challenges like designing a self-powered car. College Credit Available
11th or 12th grade
Students explore and experience the wonders of flight, aerodynamics, and space exploration. Student will learn about the field of aerospace and then they apply what they have learned to design and test model planes, rockets, and drones.
9th - 12th grade
9th - 12th grade
This lab-based course is an introduction to robotics and related scientific and engineering topics. Students will learn the basics of how motors, moving parts, and sensors work. They will also design, build, program and test robots to carry out specific tasks. The class will culminate with an extended robotics challenge.
10th, 11th or 12th grade
10th, 11th or 12th grade
Students discover and explore manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation, and then they apply what they have learned to design solutions for real-world manufacturing problems.
11th or 12th grade
11th or 12th grade
Students explore the foundations of computing by engaging in circuit design processes to create combinational logic and sequential logic (memory) as electrical engineers do in industry. Students will simulate, breadboarding, and solder circuits in each unit. College Credit Available
PLTW STEM Capstone Project (EDD)
PLTW STEM Capstone Project (EDD)
12th grade - Capstone Project
12th grade - Capstone Project
Students identify a real-world challenge and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their unique solutions to a panel of engineers.
2025-2026
Lockheed Martin PLTW Grant $10,000
Teacher Training & Electronics equipment
2024-2025
Lockheed Martin PLTW Grant $10,000
Aerospace Engineering equipment
2023-2024
Perkins Grant
4 Computer Station for
4 Manufacturing VEX Robotics Kits
2020-2021
Perkins Grant
CNC Router Table
VEX Claw Robot Kits
Drill Press
2020
Mill/Levi Funds
3D Printer - Stratasys F170
2019 - 2021
Lockheed Martin Grant - $20,000
Computer Science Equip.
2019-20
Lockheed Martin PLTW Grant - $10,000
CIM equipment
2018 - 2021
Toyota PLTW Grant - $35,000
IED & POE equipment
8 PLTW POE/CIM VEX kits
DE & EDD equipment
11th or 12th grade (not currently offered)
11th or 12th grade (not currently offered)
Using Python® as a primary tool, students learn the fundamentals of coding, data processing, data security, and task automation, while learning to contribute to an inclusive, safe, and ethical computing culture. The course promotes computational thinking and coding fundamentals and introduces computational tools that foster creativity. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet.
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