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

BOOK A MEETING NOW - http://nextwavestem.com/book-a-meeting

Paula ChiarottiApril 30, 2025