STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley has been recognized as a 2020-2021 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School. STEAM High is one of only 204 high schools across the U.S. (top 1.7%) to receive this recognition. The PLTW Distinguished Program Recognition celebrates districts and schools committed to helping to empower students to unlock their potential by developing in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive beyond the classroom. 

This program honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, STEAM Academy @ MSB had to meet the following criteria in the 2019-20 school year: 

• Offer and had students enrolled in at least three PLTW High School courses from any pathway during the 2019-20 school year.
• Had 25 percent or more students who participated in PLTW High School courses from any pathway during the 2019-20 school year OR at least 33 percent of those students who participated during the 2019-20 school year took at least two PLTW courses during their tenure at your school.
• Had strategies and procedures in place to support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender, and can support with relevant data.

"It is a great honor to recognize these schools and districts for their commitment to students," said Vince Bertram, president, and CEO of PLTW. " They should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills necessary to be career-ready on any career path they choose."

PLTW is a non-profit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S. The program empowers students to develop hands-on skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.