Leading the Way in STEM: Harmony South Texas Receives PLTW Distinguished District Award

Harmony Public Schools South Texas District is celebrating a major achievement in STEM education after being named a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished District.

The recognition honors districts that demonstrate excellence in providing students with access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities and engaging educational experiences that help prepare them for future success.

Harmony Public Schools South Texas was one of five Harmony districts across Texas to receive the Distinguished District designation, highlighting the charter system's statewide commitment to STEM education and student achievement.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, teachers and staff to creating meaningful STEM learning experiences every day," said Selcuk Bakir, area superintendent for Harmony Public Schools South Texas. "By providing access to Project Lead The Way programs and hands-on STEM opportunities beginning in Pre-K, we are helping students develop the critical-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills they need to succeed in college, careers and beyond."

What Is Project Lead The Way?

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides hands-on STEM learning experiences for students in Pre-K through grade 12. Through project-based lessons, students apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges while building skills for future academic and career success.

PLTW encourages students to think like engineers, scientists and innovators by investigating problems, designing solutions and collaborating with classmates on meaningful projects. Students explore fields such as engineering, computer science and biomedical science while gaining practical experience that connects learning to potential career pathways.

Through these experiences, students develop critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills that prepare them for success in college, careers and an increasingly technology-driven world.

Building a Strong STEM Foundation

At Harmony Public Schools South Texas, PLTW is part of a broader commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality STEM education. Beginning in Pre-K, students engage in hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage innovation and build the skills needed for success in the classroom and beyond.

By integrating STEM into the regular school day, Harmony helps students develop confidence as problem-solvers while preparing them for future opportunities in high-demand fields.

STEM for All Students

The Distinguished District recognition reflects Harmony's commitment to educational equity and its belief that every student deserves

access to meaningful STEM learning opportunities.

Serving diverse communities across San Antonio, Laredo and Brownsville, Harmony Public Schools South Texas provides students with experiences that help them explore career pathways, apply classroom learning to real-world challenges and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

This commitment ensures students are prepared not only for college and careers but also for active participation in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Part of a Statewide Milestone

The district's achievement is part of a larger milestone for Harmony Public Schools statewide. For the 2025-26 school year, 52 Harmony campuses earned PLTW Distinguished Program School recognition, while all five Harmony districts received Distinguished District awards.

The statewide recognition underscores Harmony's mission of preparing every student for college, career and life through a student-centered educational program with a strong emphasis on STEM education.

Looking Ahead

As Harmony Public Schools South Texas celebrates this honor, district leaders remain focused on expanding opportunities for students and inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, scientists and leaders.

Through partnerships, innovative programs and hands-on learning experiences, Harmony will continue empowering students to discover their potential and pursue their passions in STEM and beyond.