Nathan Limmer is a self-described computer guy.
Yet that hasn't quelled the Osseo High School student's interest in all things engineering — whether that's building a small hydrogen fuel cell to power a drag racer or designing a small truss bridge out of balsa wood that supported up to 100 pounds in weight.
"Computers are definitely my forte," said Limmer. "But I am really enjoying my engineering classes. It's been fun to dive right into these projects."
Limmer is one of about 95 Osseo High students participating in Project Lead the Way, a national science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum that focuses on real-world projects and problems.
Recently, the school was notified that it had received national certification from Project Lead the Way, an honor shared by about 1,600 schools nationwide.
The certification, which took the high school about two years to earn, means that students enrolled in the program can apply for college credit or receive college-level recognition from universities affiliated with Project Lead the Way. In Minnesota, those include the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Cloud State University, and Minnesota State University, Mankato.
"We are extremely proud to be Project Lead the Way-certified and excited that our students are eligible for college-level recognition, which may include college credit, scholarships and admissions preference," said Robert Perdaems, Osseo High's principal. "The Project Lead the Way program is a perfect match for students interested in engineering, math and science and gets them thinking about college and careers."
Focused on engineering
Osseo Area Schools has invested in Project Lead the Way in a significant way — all three of its high schools and its four junior highs offer the program.