STEM Program Comparison: NextWaveSTEM vs. PLTW

1. Curriculum Flexibility

NextWaveSTEM:

  • Offers modular, standalone units (e.g., Drones, AI, 3D Printing, Robotics in STEM)

  • Schools can integrate it into existing STEM/CTE programs or run it as after-school enrichment

  • Customizable to different grade levels, school schedules, and learning environments

PLTW:

  • Offers more rigid, full-course pathways (e.g., Engineering, Biomedical Science)

  • Typically requires long-term planning and school-wide implementation

  • Harder to implement in flexible or informal learning environments

Why NextWaveSTEM Wins:
Easier to start, pilot, and scale without overhauling existing curricula.

2. Cost & Accessibility

NextWaveSTEM:

  • More affordable and scalable—ideal for under-resourced schools

  • Works well even without certified teachers, thanks to turnkey lesson plans and virtual PD

PLTW:

  • Higher upfront costs for equipment and licensing

  • Requires PLTW-trained instructors and dedicated course time

Why NextWaveSTEM Wins:
Lower barrier to entry and cost-effective for schools with tighter budgets.

3. Teacher Readiness & PD

NextWaveSTEM:

  • Designed with non-STEM teachers in mind

  • Offers bite-sized, on-demand PD and full support, making it easy to launch

  • No previous experience required

PLTW:

  • Requires intensive summer training (Core Training) before teachers can teach the curriculum

Why NextWaveSTEM Wins:
Faster and simpler teacher onboarding means less friction.

4. Emerging Technologies Focus

NextWaveSTEM:

  • The STEM education courses are focused on cutting-edge tech like Artificial Intelligence, Drone Tech, and Internet of Things

  • Prepares students for the next wave of STEM careers

PLTW:

  • Strong in foundational engineering and biomedical science

  • Slower to adopt rapidly evolving tech trends

Why NextWaveSTEM Wins:
Keeps curriculum relevant and exciting for today’s tech-driven world.

5. Implementation Speed

NextWaveSTEM:

  • Can be implemented within days or weeks

  • Suitable for in-school, after-school and summer environments

PLTW:

  • Typically requires months of planning and coordination to implement a new pathway

Why NextWaveSTEM Wins:
Schools can pilot quickly and iterate without a long ramp-up period.

Summary: Why Some Schools Prefer NextWaveSTEM

Feature NextWaveSTEM PLTW
Flexibility High Moderate–Low
Cost Low–Moderate High
Training Required Minimal Extensive
Focus Emerging Tech (AI, Drones) Engineering, Biomedical
Speed to Implement Fast Slow
Use Cases In-school & after-school In-school only

STEM Program Comparison Table

Category NextWaveSTEM Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
Curriculum Format Modular, unit-based (e.g., AI, Drones, 3D Printing) Full-year pathway courses (e.g., Engineering, Biomedical)
Implementation Time Quick launch (days to weeks) Requires months of planning and coordination
Grade Levels Supported K–12 Primarily 6–12 (some PreK–5)
Flexibility High – in-school, after-school, or summer Moderate – designed for in-school, scheduled periods
Teacher Requirements No certification required; includes turnkey training/support Requires PLTW Core Training (week-long, in-person or virtual)
Cost Lower cost; scalable by school size and need Higher cost; annual licensing, equipment, and training fees
Technology Focus Emerging tech: AI, Drones, Robotics, IoT Traditional STEM: Engineering, Biomedical, CS
Student Engagement Hands-on, cutting-edge tech to spark interest and readiness Deep project-based learning in technical fields
Support & PD On-demand training + live support included Intensive PD required before teaching courses
Integration Options Easy to add into existing curriculum/enrichment programs Typically requires course restructuring
Ideal Use Cases Schools starting or scaling STEM fast; summer & after-school Schools building dedicated STEM/CTE pathways

Choose NextWaveSTEM when:

  • You want to start or expand STEM quickly

  • You need a solution that works with non-STEM teachers

  • You’re working with tight budgets or after-school programs

  • You want to introduce emerging technologies like AI, drones, and IoT

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Think Shaw