[Waukesha, WI] (May 26, 2026) – Catholic Memorial High School has once again earned national recognition for excellence in STEM education, being named a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the ninth consecutive year. The honor recognizes schools across the country that provide exceptional access to transformative learning experiences in Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering.
From a network of more than 12,200 certified PLTW schools across the United States, CMH is one of only 1,216 schools nationwide, and just 14 high schools in Wisconsin, to receive the prestigious designation in 2026. Even more notably, Catholic Memorial is one of only two high schools in Wisconsin to achieve PLTW Distinguished School status for nine consecutive years, underscoring the school’s long-standing commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and career-focused STEM education.
PLTW is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization serving more than 2.5 million K-12 students across the United States. Through hands-on, project-based learning experiences, PLTW equips students with in-demand, transferable skills while challenging them to solve real-world problems in rapidly growing career fields.
“At Catholic Memorial, we are committed to creating an environment where students are empowered to pursue limitless opportunities for success,” said Donna Bembenek, CMH President. “Our Project Lead the Way STEM programs provide students with experiences that prepare them not only for college, but for meaningful careers in the future workforce. We are incredibly proud of the growth and accomplishments of our students.”
Currently, 60% of CMH students are enrolled in STEM coursework, with increasing interest in the school’s Biomedical Science pathway and continued success within its Engineering program. CMH students consistently earn recognition in regional and national competitions, while participation in the school’s senior-year STEM internship program has nearly doubled over the past two years, driven largely by expanded opportunities in the biomedical field.
“The support of our community partners has been invaluable in helping our STEM program at Catholic Memorial grow,” Bembenek said. “Through mentorship, internships, collaboration, and financial support, our students gain real-world experience and professional skills that position them for long-term success.”
The PLTW Distinguished School designation honors schools that demonstrate a sustained commitment to expanding student access, engagement, and achievement within PLTW pathways. To earn the recognition, schools must meet rigorous criteria tied to student participation, program quality, and academic achievement.
Catholic Memorial has continued to exceed those benchmarks by expanding STEM course offerings and creating opportunities for students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. CMH is also the only private school in Wisconsin to offer the International Baccalaureate Career-related Program (IBCP) in Engineering, providing students the opportunity to pursue one of the highest distinctions available at the high school level for engineering education.
“We are proud to honor Catholic Memorial High School for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next.”
Catholic Memorial is part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about CMH’s STEM Program, visit www.catholicmemorial.net and to learn about PLTW’s Distinguished School Recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.