Photo provided In its second year of operation, Pugliese STEM Academy is part of a districtwide effort to introduce students of all ages to fields related to science, technology, engineering and math, for which Steubenville City Schools recently received national recognition.

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville City Schools has received national recognition for its efforts to immerse students of all ages in the principles of science, technology, engineering and math.

The school district has been named a Project Lead the Way Distinguished District by Project Lead the Way, a national nonprofit organization that helps schools prepare students for careers, college and lifelong success through hands-on instruction.

Steubenville High School, Harding Middle School and the district’s four elementary schools each were named PLTW Distinguished Schools.

The designation reflects the number and variety of PLTW courses offered, the percentage of students enrolled in them and the number who have enrolled in more than one PLTW course.

For that and its efforts to expand exposure to engineering and other STEM-related fields, Steubenville High School was named a Distinguished PLTW High School.

The four elementary schools — East Garfield Elementary School, McKinley STEM Academy, Pugliese West Elementary School and Wells Academy — along with Harding Middle School, were recognized for excellent PLTW Launch and Gateway programs designed to introduce students to STEM principles and related careers at an early age and build on them through high school.

Shana Wydra, director of STEM and career technical education for the school district, said, “Across the district, students participate in hands-on STEM learning experiences that encourage creativity, innovation, collaboration and problem-solving.”

“Through PLTW programming, students explore engineering, aerospace, biomedical science, environmental sustainability, computer science, cybersecurity and other emerging STEM fields while developing career-ready skills and real-world problem-solving abilities,” Wydra said.

“This marks the first year Steubenville City Schools has earned the PLTW Distinguished District designation, recognizing the district’s commitment to providing high-quality STEM learning experiences for students from elementary through high school,” she said.

Superintendent Melinda Young said, “This prestigious national recognition reflects our schools’ outstanding commitment to expanding student access, engagement and achievement in STEM education through innovative Project Lead the Way programs. Our staff’s dedication to preparing students with real-world skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is creating meaningful opportunities and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders.”

Lynnett Gorman, principal of McKinley STEM Academy, said, “This recognition belongs entirely to our amazing students and our talented, hardworking teachers. Every day, our students step into the classroom ready to solve real-world problems, and our educators go above and beyond to provide the tools and inspiration they need to succeed. Being a Distinguished School for six years straight proves that at McKinley STEM Academy, we aren’t just teaching STEM — we are empowering the next generation of innovators.”

Aaron Newman, principal of Steubenville High School, said, “I’m so proud of the collective effort of our innovative staff members, particularly CTE department head Natalie Campana and Director of STEM and CTE Education Dr. Shana Wydra. They have led a process of continuous innovation throughout our building, particularly in our new STEM facility. It’s a testament to the talent and dedication of our staff along with the work ethic and intellectual curiosity of our amazing students.”

Earlier this year, Campana was named the 2025-26 National Project Lead the Way Engineering Teacher of the Year.

A Steubenville High School graduate, Campana is one of more than 9,000 engineering educators working with PLTW and has more than 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years with Steubenville City Schools.

This is the second year of operation for the $16 million, 28,000-square-foot Pugliese STEM Academy built adjacent to the high school.

Linked to the high school through a skywalk, the three-story facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and classrooms where students can learn about aerospace engineering, modern agriculture, global logistics and other fields.

The high school’s STEM program includes aerospace engineering and aviation; global logistics and supply chain management; health informatics; innovations in science and technology; drafting, machining and CAD; multimedia and web design; marketing; information technology; transition to work; exercise science; and teacher education.