PLTW Teacher Tad Douce and PLTW Ohio's State Leader Kathy Sommers receive education awards

Left to Right: Kathy Summers and Tad Douce

DEARBORN, Mich., April 9, 2008 – Tad Douce of River Valley Middle School in Marion, Ohio was among fifteen educators from across the United States to win awards sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation and 3M. The 2008 Building the Future Awards recognizes educators for their outstanding efforts in inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The winners of the award all have worked with curriculum developed by Project Lead the Way, a nonprofit organization that promotes engineering courses for middle and high school students. These educators have helped young people become exposed to engineering and manufacturing through hands-on activities, field trips and group projects.

In addition to the Building the Future Award, the SME Education Foundation presented the Outstanding Partner Award to Kathy Sommers. Sommers is the assistant director for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Ohio Department of Education and the State Leader for Project Lead the Way in Ohio.  At this event, Kathy was acknowledged for her significant work in moving the Project Lead the Way program forward in Ohio and setting an example for expansion nationwide.

“We believe that it is important to recognize the valuable work these educators are doing. By educating today’s youth they are truly ‘Building the Future’ for tomorrow’s leaders and a vibrant workforce,” said Bart Aslin, executive director of the SME Education Foundation. “Our children need role models like these adults who are dedicated to showing youth the rewards of technology and science.”

Nominees were judged on: extraordinary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom; an engaging presence that inspires and motivates students; and exceptional instructional practices that have increased student learning.

By honoring outstanding educators, the Building the Future Awards program strives to attract, motivate and reward the achievements of talented educators. Winners will receive $1,000, and 3M will donate a 3M Digital Media Systems projector and a 65-inch 3M Digital Board for each instructor’s classroom.

The Building the Future Awards were presented during an April 11 ceremony at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minn.

About SME Education Foundation
The SME Education Foundation is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing manufacturing education through college and university grants, scholarships, fellowships, and student-outreach programs. Since 1980, the Foundation has invested more than $24 million in grants, scholarships and awards – more money than any other professional society.

About 3M
3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, healthcare, safety and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company has operations in nearly 200 countries. 3M Community Giving consists of product donations and cash grants by 3M and the 3M Foundation and bolstered by employee and retiree volunteerism. In 2007, over $46 million was awarded to education and charitable organizations.