ACUSHNET — Superintendent Dr. Paula Bailey, Assistant Superintendent Angela Ruggeri and Principal Michelle Silvia are proud to share that Albert F. Ford Middle School has been awarded a $28,000 grant from the One8 Foundation to implement the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway program, providing students a transformational, empowering applied learning experience in the fields of computer science, engineering and biomedical science.
The $28,000 in grant funding will be distributed over three years to support the school’s PLTW Gateway programming. The funding will be used for professional development, ongoing support for hands-on classroom learning, and all the materials and equipment needed to launch the program.
Ford Middle School will be joining more than 350 schools in Massachusetts that offer PLTW programs.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that has provided STEM education programming to more than 12,000 elementary, middle and high schools across all 50 states since it was established in 1997.
Through the PLTW Gateway program, middle school students engage in applied learning experiences that encourage them to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle real-world challenges. The coursework introduces students to concepts in engineering, computer science and biomedical science, giving them a foundation in these fields and helping them build confidence for their STEM learning journey.
The grant is part of a statewide effort led by the One8 Foundation and its partners to expand access to applied learning opportunities that help prepare students for a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. Since 2017, the One8 Foundation has worked with partners including the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, the Workforce Skills Cabinet and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to support the expansion of PLTW programs throughout the Commonwealth.
“We are incredibly grateful to the One8 Foundation for this opportunity,” said Angela Ruggeri, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. “The Foundation’s continued investment in expanding high-quality learning experiences has a meaningful impact on our students.”
As a PLTW school, Ford Middle School will have access to additional resources, including further professional learning opportunities, student project showcases and connections to industry professionals through the Mass Learning Project and the One8 Applied Learning Hub.
Principal Silvia and Superintendent Dr. Bailey thanked the One8 Foundation for its investment in expanding innovative learning opportunities for students in Acushnet.
“This grant provides our students with exciting opportunities to engage in hands-on learning that connects classroom knowledge with real-world applications,” Principal Silvia said. “Programs like PLTW Gateway help spark curiosity, strengthen problem-solving skills and gives confidence to students to explore future pathways in STEM fields.”
“We are deeply grateful for One8’s continued partnership, not only through this grant but through the programming, educator networks and professional development they provide,” said Superintendent Dr. Bailey. “Their support has truly been a game changer for our district and for the learning experiences we are able to offer our students.”
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