DeSales Partners with Project Lead The Way to Offer College Credits for High School Students

DeSales University is the first higher education institution in Pennsylvania to partner with Project Lead The Way to offer college credits in PLTW computer science and biomedical science courses.

PLTW is a nationwide nonprofit organization that offers project-based STEM and career education to pre-K-12 students.

Students who successfully complete PLTW courses in the computer science or biomedical science tracks are now eligible to earn college credit. Additionally, they are invited to apply for $3,000 competitive scholarships offered by DeSales.

Michael Ducey, Ph.D., dean of the University’s College of Sciences, spearheaded the initiative after establishing an affiliation with PLTW at his previous institution in Missouri.

“I wanted to bring PLTW here to DeSales for a number of reasons,” says Ducey. “Being a PLTW partner will allow DeSales to reach and recruit more students who have an interest and commitment to STEM-related education. PLTW students develop in-demand technical skills and are often extremely motivated to pursue careers in that field.”

Through this partnership with Project Lead The Way, DeSales will have greater opportunities to attract local students interested in pursuing STEM education at the post-secondary level. There are more than 600 pre-K-12 PLTW programs within a 100-mile radius of DeSales’ campus, demonstrating the region’s commitment to robust STEM education. 

The collaboration between DeSales and PLTW will enhance student opportunities in the area, such as access to college credits, scholarships, events, and other avenues for students to highlight their skillset.

The DeSales scholarship application and course evaluation portal open on August 1, 2025. For more information, visit desales.edu/pltw.