Project Lead The Way has recognized Bishop Miege Catholic High School as a 2025-26 PLTW Distinguished High School — one of only five high schools in Kansas and the only private school in the state to receive the honor.

This marks the second consecutive year Bishop Miege has earned the distinction, highlighting the school’s continued commitment to innovative, career-connected learning experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

Through PLTW’s Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and Engineering pathways, Miege students engage in hands-on, project-based learning designed to build technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, collaboration, and creativity. From engineering design challenges to biomedical investigations and computer science applications, students are learning by doing in ways that make complex concepts tangible and meaningful.

“The project studio and PLTW program here at Miege do an amazing job bolstering our students’ confidence and ability to integrate diverse concepts, tools, and skills to solve problems,” Department Chair JC Clark said. “Each day, students learn by doing in active, collaborative, tangible ways, which makes the complex, technical ideas they apply much more relevant and understandable. I have had many alumni share with me how well their time in Miege’s PLTW program prepared them for the rigors of engineering degrees, internships, and even jobs.”

A key part of Bishop Miege’s approach has been expanding access and opportunity for students across all interests and experience levels. Every student at Miege is required to complete a technology credit, which can be fulfilled through courses such as Computer Science Essentials or Introduction to Engineering Design. This intentional entry point introduces students to the rigorous and authentic learning opportunities available through PLTW programs.

As student interests evolved, Bishop Miege continued to adapt its offerings. By regularly surveying students and monitoring enrollment trends, the school identified opportunities to grow pathways that reflected both student passions and workforce demand. Most recently, the addition of the Biomedical Sciences pathway has allowed even more students to pursue hands-on STEM experiences aligned with their interests and future goals.

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools across the country that demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in PLTW programs. Schools must meet rigorous criteria related to course availability, student participation, and continued engagement within PLTW pathways.

“We are proud to honor Bishop Miege for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures,” PLTW President and CEO Dr. David Dimmett said. “Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next.”

As Bishop Miege continues investing in innovation and experiential learning, this recognition reflects the strength and growth of its PLTW program across the entire school community. Today, Bishop Miege offers 12 PLTW courses in Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and Engineering, with 341 students enrolled across the pathways led by a team of eight dedicated teachers who bring expertise and creativity into the classroom each day.

As Bishop Miege celebrates a decade of PLTW this year, we look forward to continuing to equip students for many more decades to come.