AITE Students’ Innovation is Awarded the 2024-25 PLTW Community Impact Award in the high school category

Stamford Public Schools is thrilled to announce that four AITE students have been awarded the 2024-25 PLTW Community Impact Award in the high school category. Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nationwide hands-on STEM curriculum provider, recognized the students for their project titled, “PinchPals.” Students include Darlin Oliva Catalan, Camila Dos Santos Cunha, Penelope Shannon, and Sophia Moreno. They were nominated for this national award by their teachers Danielle Weber and Paige Ridley.

PLTW educators from across the country were encouraged to nominate a student or group of students who could demonstrate how their STEM learning through their PLTW classes was applied to a project that is making an impact within their community.

This team of four dedicated AITE students, drawing from their experience in PLTW Biomedical Science and Engineering coursework, developed an innovative solution to support individuals who face the challenge of frequent injections due to medical conditions. Their project titled, “PinchPals,” was designed to reduce pain and fear, especially for young children with Type 1 Diabetes by incorporating fun, customizable animal designs into the device. Through this approach, the goal was to build confidence in young patients, foster a more positive outlook and alleviate stress for both children and their families.

“With creativity, research, trial and error, this team created a meaningful impact,” explained AITE teacher, and 2021-2022 Project Lead The Way National Biomedical Science Teacher of the Year, Danielle Weber. “These inspirational students took what they learned in the classroom and used it to address a real-world problem.  They are helping young patients navigate their healthcare journey with confidence and ease.” 

These engineering and biomedical science students applied the design process they learned in their PLTW classes to their project by generating ideas, prototyping solutions, and overcoming development challenges. Using the SCAMPER model, they explored ways to enhance their concept, researched technologies and techniques, and carefully selected accessible materials for their prototypes. Throughout rigorous testing, they employed various data collection methods to refine the product. When faced with obstacles, they collaborated effectively, applying problem-solving skills to drive improvements, very much mirroring real-world applications.

“This amazing group of students took learning to the next level,” said Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools. “This award recognizes the AITE students for putting their classroom skills into real-world application and most importantly impacting those around them.”

As part of the development process, the students reached out to local healthcare professionals, teachers, and individuals with Type 1 Diabetes to gather insights and refine their product to ensure the greatest impact on both the medical field and society.

“I am continually impressed by the incredible work PLTW students are doing within their own communities,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “Through our student Community Impact Award, we congratulate and celebrate their remarkable effort to address real problems at the local level. It is inspiring to see students apply what they are learning in their PLTW classes to make a meaningful difference for those around them.”

PLTW recognizes and honors this group of students with the 2024-25 PLTW Community Impact Award in the high school category.  Students were recognized during a ceremony hosted at AITE on May 22, 2025.  The ceremony was attended by the Superintendent, members of the Board of Education, and representatives of the City and community.

“The PLTW program has impacted our school by transforming how students engage with STEM subjects. Through hands-on projects and real-world problem solving, it has fostered a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration among the students, who, as a result, have demonstrated an increased interest and engagement in STEM fields.” Explained AITE Principal, Tina Rivera. “We are thrilled that all three of the PLTW pathways we offer have grown over the years and that these courses have empowered students with valuable skills essential for college and career success in the 21st century.” Rivera was one of only 27 school administrators across the United States to earn the 2024-25 Outstanding PLTW Administrator Award, which recognizes outstanding educational leaders for their commitment to providing students with meaningful learning experiences through PLTW programs.

Stamford Public Schools offers PTLW hands-on learning opportunities for students starting in our elementary schools in 4th and 5th grade.  The 4th grade course offered to all 4th graders is called Input/Output Computer Systems and introduces all SPS students to computing systems. Students apply their understanding of computing systems as they compare them to human body systems. PLTW programming continues in 5th grade with a course called Infection: Modeling and Simulation. The sequence in middle school begins with Design and Modeling in 6th grade, followed by App Creators in 7th grade, and concludes with Automation and Robotics in 8th grade. Design and Modeling is strategically placed at the start of the sequence to build a solid foundation in design thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for success in subsequent courses.

Katie Minihan, PLTW's EVP & Chief Impact Officer poses with the winning team of students, including Darlin Oliva Catalan, Camila Dos Santos Cunha, Penelope Shannon, and Sophia Moreno. The students are joined in the photo by their teachers Danielle Weber and Paige Ridley.

About PLTW  

For nearly 30 years, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) has prepared PreK–12 students for careers, college, and life by equipping them with the STEM knowledge, credential preparation, transferable skills, and confidence to succeed. Our hands-on, real-world learning, deep industry partnerships and clear, scaffolded curriculum guide students from early career curiosity to postsecondary readiness. With strong professional development taught by a national network of more than 116,000 trained teachers in 12,200+ schools across all 50 states, PLTW enables schools to design scalable, future-focused programs that inspire students, empower educators, and connect learning to life after graduation. Visit pltw.org to learn more.