The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

Siemens will present the Pathway to Learning Engineering (PLE) — a comprehensive, project-based curriculum designed in collaboration with Siemens engineering experts and educators. This innovative pathway immerses students in authentic design challenges while preparing them for industry-recognized certifications, including NX, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing. During the session, participants will discover how to access and implement the curriculum, secure Siemens software licenses for classroom use, explore professional development opportunities for educators, and register students for certification exams that validate their learning. The presentation will demonstrate how Siemens PLE equips high students with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to succeed in the evolving world of engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Education cannot exist in silos. Student learning builds on previously learned concepts. Employers insist that educators build character and employability skills. Character readiness, college readiness, and career readiness are all essential in preparing students for their next steps after high school and eventually to a life-long career. Join us as we "Envision an Educational System that Connects Core and Career Learning."

This session introduces Siemens Exploring the World of Engineering, a modular, project-based middle grades curriculum that immerses students in authentic STEM challenges across design, automation technology, autonomous electric vehicles, aerospace technology, energy management, informatics, biomedical manufacturing and engineering, and artificial intelligence. Participants will explore how eight flexible, non-sequential modules with differentiated projects build engineering literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on design, collaboration, and iteration. Attendees will learn how to integrate the curriculum into existing schedules, scaffold instruction using beginner-to-advanced projects, and use performance-based assessments and digital badges to support student growth and engagement.