Project Lead The Way, Inc., a national nonprofit that develops and supports hands-on K-12 science, technology, engineering and math curriculum for schools , will invest $1.7 million to expand its Indianapolis, Indiana, operations center, creating up to 30 new jobs by 2016.

The company, which moved its national headquarters from New York to Indiana in November 2011, will expand its offices to cover nearly 27,000 square feet at The Precedent Office Park in Indianapolis, growing more than 15,000 square feet from its original Indiana facility. Operational next month, the expanded facility will allow the nonprofit to continue growing to meet national demand for its programs, including its new elementary school program and the launch of a computer science program.

PLTW, which currently employs 56 Hoosiers, will begin hiring this month for information technology, communications and marketing, school engagement, curriculum development and training positions. “PLTW is growing because our nation desperately needs today’s students to be well prepared as the next generation of problem solvers, critical thinkers and collaborators,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “The United States’ economic prosperity is at stake, and PLTW is part of the solution. PLTW is thrilled to call Indiana ‘home.’ Indiana was an early adopter of PLTW and has been a consistent leader in PLTW growth. Even as Indiana students and schools benefit from our programs, the state of Indiana makes it easy for a fast-growing nonprofit to affordably do business. Everyone wins with PLTW based in Indiana.”

“Critical thinking and a knack for problem solving are key skills needed in the workforce to propel our economy and help create jobs,” said Eric Doden, President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “As a state that works for business, we’re also proud to be a state that works for helping organizations like PLTW develop the nation’s workforce to meet the jobs of today and the new challenges of tomorrow. PLTW’s decision to grow its national headquarters here in the Hoosier State is a testament to Indiana’s embrace of what must be done to provide the optimum environment for business growth.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Project Lead The Way, Inc. up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports the project at the request of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber.