PLTW is a nationwide program of courses utilizing real-world science, math, technology and engineering components. Students also learn teamwork, problem solving and research - among other skills.

PLTW certifiers visited the school and assessed them on a number of criteria before wholly certifying them.

High School Principal Kristil McDonald told the PR-B School Board, Monday night, of the school's recent certification.

PR-B began teaching PLTW courses in the fall of 2007 and has continued to expand its offerings.

Students in grades 6-8 take Gateway to Technology Courses in design and modeling; electronics; technology; engineering and robotics. The Gateway to Technology Courses is a precursor to the high-school Pathway to Engineering Courses that are taught at PR-B.

Next school year PR-B will add two more PLTW classes: Introduction to Engineering Design and Digital Electronics.

Those classes, along with a Principals of Engineering course will be offered for 11th and 12th graders at the high school; students can also earn concurrent college credit through Central Lakes College for taking PLTW courses.

At Monday night's meeting, McDonald also highlighted other opportunities for students to gain job experience and earn college credit while at PR-B.

PR-B offers concurrent courses through Central Lakes College and MN State University-Southwest.

Students are able to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously while taking courses taught at PR-B.

In fact, it's possible that a PR-B high school student could earn between 1-2 years of college credit without paying college tuition.

PR-B is also a participant in Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection.

The Academies are programs of study for juniors and seniors that help them prepare for college. They include Applied Engineering, Health Sciences, Manufacturing Technology, Business and Administration, and Nursing.

Students can pick from 10 Bridges courses next fall that can also earn them college credit.

PR-B is a Bridges partner, as is Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Staples-Motley, Pillager and Pequot Lakes school districts. Central Lakes College, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and regional business and industry partners are also partnered through Bridges.

The Bridges Workplace Connection includes internships, job shadowing, employer participation in the classroom, teachers in the workplace and career days.

PR-B students need to have a career component or career class as a graduation requirement - and the Bridges program is an elective that fills that requirement, McDonald said.