Project Overview

1. Research Purpose

Using an Educational Research Design, the program aims to understand the effectiveness of hands-on instruction in preparation for the ACT WorkKeys Solutions National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) exam.

2. Program Goals and Objectives

We seek to pilot an education training program that addresses the shortage of prepared individuals entering college and the workforce. The objectives are to provide accessible and affordable training to individuals seeking to enter or advance in STEM degrees or careers. 

3. Student Activities

a. Enroll in a high school level Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course and participate fully in the curriculum and hands-on 

activities.

  b. Complete ACT WorkKeys Online Tutorials (after school); this includes the practice questions and quizzes. 

c. After completing the online tutorials, take the ACT WorkKeys Certification Assessment.

d. Go on an all-expense paid field trip/tour to West Virginia State University campus and speak with faculty and admission  

             representative.

e. Attend the Graduation Ceremony 

f.  Enjoy your success

3a. Instructor Activities

• PLTW instructor will provide students access to STEM Forward program. This will include explaining the program to students and providing a sign-up sheet. 

• WVSU will send an online application and consent based on the email provided on the sign-up sheet. 

• WVSU will provide an online orientation after school and encourage parent participation. 

• PLTW instructor will answer student math questions as needed. If the instructor opts out for in-school inclusion, then WVSU will consider an after-school arrangement with hourly compensation.  WVSU may also be able to help cover expenses for supplies for the PLTW course.

• PLTW instructor will allow students to take final assessment during class time - the assessment is in 3 parts and should not take more than 1 hour per assessment. It is a good idea to allow youth 1 class period to have a run through, so they know what is expected the day of assessment. This totals to 4 classes periods.

• PLTW instructor will assist in making arrangements for field trip as required by school policy. WVSU will provide the remaining logistics and cover all-expenses in relation to the field trip including the bus and driver. The PLTW instructor will accompany their students on the field trip. WVSU will also provide a representative to assist. 

4. Target Audience

High school students enrolled in a Project Lead the Way high school course. 

5. Benefits to Participants

The STEM Forward research pilot program will help you achieve a National Career Readiness Certificate and Digital Badges through the ACT WorkKeys process.  Our fee-free program allows you to learn about applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents at your own pace, anywhere, using a world-class online tutorial. Then, bring the learning home through hands-on activities taught at your local high school. 

With cool activities that allow career exploration and college prep activities, you can make more of your experience. The program includes enrichment activities, such as speaking with experts in the field, taking an all-expense-paid field trip to tour the historic grounds and up-to-date facilities of the WVSU campus, speaking with faculty and admissions representatives, or getting referrals to education services of your choice. 

• ACT WorkKeys Certification - Participants earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a recognized credential that signals workforce readiness to employers.

• Digital Badges - Learners receive portable, stackable digital badges for each skill area—Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents—enhancing their online portfolios and resumes.

• Career Exploration - Through hands-on PLTW activities and exposure to real-world applications, students gain insight into STEM career pathways and workplace expectations.

• College Readiness - The WVSU campus tour and faculty engagement demystify the college experience and provide direct access to admissions guidance.

• Fee-Free Access - All program components—including tutorials, assessments, and enrichment activities—are provided at no cost, removing financial barriers to participation.

• Flexible Learning - Online tutorials allow students to learn at their own pace, accommodating diverse schedules and learning styles.

• Hands-On Skill Development - PLTW coursework reinforces applied STEM skills through project-based learning, improving retention and engagement.

• Recognition and Celebration - The graduation ceremony publicly acknowledges student achievement, boosting confidence and motivation.

• Networking Opportunities - Students interact with university faculty, admissions staff, and STEM professionals, building early connections for future academic or career pursuits.

• Empowerment Through Achievement - Participants leave with validated credentials, real-world experience, and a clearer sense of direction—whether toward college, technical training, or the workforce.

5a. Benefits to the STEM Forward /PLTW Instructor

• Compensation and Expenses - WVSU is willing to cover a periodic online after school 'office hours' to answer questions related to math instruction or online tutorials. WVSU is also open to discussion to cover expenses related to supplies of the PLTW program. 

• Instructional Effectiveness- The program provides NCRC certification of workforce readiness to students. 

• Enhanced Instructional Impact - Instructors gain access to a research-backed framework that validates the effectiveness of hands-on learning in preparing students for workforce credentials.

• Professional Recognition - Participation in a pilot tied to ACT WorkKeys and WVSU may position instructors as leaders in workforce readiness and STEM education innovation.

• Curriculum Enrichment Support - The program embeds ACT-aligned content into PLTW coursework, offering instructors ready-made resources that strengthen academic and career alignment.

• Student Success Metrics - Instructors can track student progress through digital badges and NCRC attainment, providing tangible evidence of instructional effectiveness.

• University Partnership Access - Direct collaboration with WVSU faculty and admissions staff opens doors for future joint programming, guest lectures, or professional development.

• Field Trip Facilitation - All-expense-paid campus visits reduce logistical burdens and allow instructors to focus on student engagement and reflection.

• Increased Student Motivation - The structured pathway to certification and college exposure boosts student buy-in, making classroom management and instruction more rewarding.

• Data for Program Evaluation - Instructors contribute to educational research, gaining access to findings that can inform future curriculum decisions and grant proposals.

• Equity and Access Advocacy - By offering fee-free certification prep, instructors champion equitable access to career readiness tools for underserved students.

• Community Impact Amplification - Instructors play a key role in preparing students for local workforce needs, reinforcing their value as community educators and change agents.

6. Timeline, Contact, and Other Information

Program dates

Academic School Year

Location

The PLTW course is offered At your local high school or technical center. The ACT WorkKeys online tutorials can be completed anywhere. The field trip is located at West Virginia State University in Institute WV. 

Contact Information

cbishop1@wvstateu.edu and  morenokt@wvstateu.edu 

Website Link: WVSU STEM Forward

Description

The Workforce Education Program is embedded in a high school engineering, math or other PLTW course. It is fee free and provides the funds to access the ACT online curriculum and take the assessment for the ACT WorkKeys NCRC.