The Institute for Economic Development (IED) includes 11 interrelated programs and centers focused on enhancing and promoting the economic development of the region. This is done through management assistance, training and technical assistance to communities, manufacturing firms, small businesses and local governments. In addition to the San Antonio-based programs and centers, there are 11 satellite centers located throughout the southwest Texas/border area focusing specifically on small business development. Satellite centers are located in El Paso, Austin, Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Rio Grande Valley and other communities.
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) identifies achieving middle and high school students with an interest in mathematics, science, engineering and technology, and establishes the foundation for careers in these and other mathematics-related areas. Founded at UTSA in 1979, the eight-week, mathematics-based academic program is held each summer at nine local colleges and universities. Designed for students in grades 6–11, PREP promotes high achievement and provides students with the necessary reinforcement to successfully pursue higher education and careers in math, science, engineering and technology. With a focus on building a high quality and diverse 21st-century workforce, women and members of minority groups—traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering—serve as special target groups.
Proyecto Access is a national consortium modeled after the Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Proyecto Access is an academically intense, seven- to eight-week science/mathematics-related summer program that enhances the development of abstract reasoning, problem-solving skills and their application in students. The purpose of the program is to identify achieving middle and high school students with an interest in and potential for careers in engineering, science, technology and other mathematics-related areas and to reinforce them in pursuit of these fields. UTSA is the host/administrator for Proyecto Access and operates 10 sites throughout the United States (Colorado, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, California, Arizona) and Puerto Rico. Total annual funding for the project is close to $1.7 million, with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) providing the major portion of the funding.
The Office of Community Outreach (OCO)
was established in November 1999 to increase
UTSA’s visibility in targeted communities in South Texas and to foster
appropriate, mutually beneficial partnerships with these communities. The OCO
works with educational, business and civic leaders in communities served by
UTSA to promote higher education as an economic development resource. The OCO
in concert with community leaders addresses barriers that inhibit or prevent
area residents from enrolling at UTSA. Special events bring community leaders
to UTSA and take UTSA executive officers into South Texas communities. The OCO
works closely with the Admissions Office as well as other university offices
in supporting student recruitment efforts.
| Academics | Admissions | Alumni Affairs |The Office of Extended Education serves the region’s adult, professional and continuing education needs through a range of targeted programs that match the university’s unique resources with the lifelong learning needs of the region. Operating out of the UTSA Downtown Campus, the Office of Extended Education works collaboratively with academic and nonacademic units of the university to develop and present seminars, online courses, conferences and programs for the general public, professional and governmental agencies, and businesses. The UTSA Extended Education Web page provides information on seminars, online courses, conferences and programs that are open to the university and local communities. The Office of Extended Education also provides specialized training to organizations needing customized training programs for their employees.
| Financial Aid | Housing | Tuition and Fees |
The Downtown Special Events Office is responsible for scheduling, coordinating and managing special events at the Downtown Campus. The Downtown Campus has clearly become the venue of choice for university organizations as well as many community organizations, and the office operates as a “one-stop shopping” experience for on- and off-campus users of university facilities. The office manages cash handling, logistical operations and designs, implements control systems for managing various resources needed for events and provides logistical support for Extended Education.
Institute of Texan Cultures is the state’s museum dedicated to enhancing the understanding of cultural history and their influence on the people of Texas. The Institute’s mission is accomplished through an expansive exhibit floor, a document and photo library, an extensive outreach program to Texas schools, and specialized and periodic major exhibits. The Institute also serves special educational programs of the university.
UTSA Mexico Centerfosters academic, research, cultural and programmatic exchanges with universities and organizations in Mexico engaging students, faculty and staff; and promoting a better understanding of Mexico and its relationship to the United States. The UTSA Mexico Center provides a forum for communication between policy makers, scholars, business representatives and professionals from the United States and Mexico to bring about mutual understanding and productive relationships.
CAPRI – The Child and
Adolescent Policy Research Institute
The Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute is the
administrative host for research and programs from across colleges and
disciplines united in their research interests in Child and Adolescent
Development.
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP)
The Office of Community Outreach (OCO)
The Office of Extended Education
The Downtown Special Events Office
Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC)
UTSA Mexico Center
CAPRI
Vice President for Community Services
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