Next month, Project Lead the Way will see 82 students graduate from their respective high schools.

The program, which is offered through Collins Career Technical Center and offers STEM biomedical and engineering, is present in all but one of the county’s school districts.

As satellite coordinator Matt Monteville pointed out, most, if not all, of the graduates have enrolled for post-secondary education, whether through college or technical school and are well on a path to their chosen career.

PLTW offers far more than its two subject areas, teaching problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork through hands-on learning.

And its staff have served as mentors and offered guidance to students. This will continue beyond graduation, as transition coordinator Gary Salyer pointed out, noting that they keep tabs on hundreds of graduates, helping them on their plans after high school.

This program is such an asset to the county and its youth and it is heartening to know that it will continue to invest in the futures of these students.