Prefreshman Engineering Program accepting applications for summer 2015

UTSA civil engineering student demonstrates for PREP students a water filter she built using gravel, sand, activated carbon and nanoparticles

(Oct. 29, 2014) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio announces the San Antonio Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) is accepting applications for summer 2015 enrollment. The program serves high-achieving students in grades six through 10 with an interest in math, science, technology and engineering.

PREP 2015 is scheduled for June 15-July 31 and tentatively will be at the UTSA Main and Downtown campuses, St. Philip's College (both MLK and Southwest campuses), Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, Northeast Lakeview College, San Antonio College, Texas A&M University San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University and St. Mary's University.

"PREP continues to grow both in numbers and academically," said Rudy Reyna, PREP executive director. "In 2014, we added a cybersecurity option for PREP IV, and this summer we plan to add a hands-on computer science opportunity with a local technology company. Last summer, 1,541 students started the program at 10 San Antonio locations. PREP had an additional 2,700 students in other Texas cities and 500 in other states."

PREP was founded in 1979 at UTSA by mathematics professor Manuel Berriozabal to provide high-achieving students (particularly minorities and females) excelling in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with instruction to prepare them for careers in those areas. The academically intense curriculum stresses the hands-on application of problem-solving skills.

The seven-week, STEM-based program is presented over four summers. PREP I focuses on mathematical logic and introductory engineering principles. PREP II focuses on algebraic structures and physics. PREP III offers students an introduction to technical writing and probability and statistics. PREP IV introduces students to computer science and advanced engineering projects.

Applications for the summer 2015 PREP must be postmarked by Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2015, to be eligible for consideration. The program cost is $300 per student, although many San Antonio schools and school districts provide funding for selected students to participate in the summer program. Students can obtain paper applications from their school career counselors, although students are encouraged to apply on the PREPUSA website.

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Learn more about PREP 2015 and apply at the PREPUSA website (click on "Students" in the upper left corner, then choose "San Antonio PREP") or contact PREP at 210-458-2060.

PREP will accept applications for University PREP (UPREP) from students who have completed PREP III and are sophomores. UPREP allows PREP students to take college courses for college credit at UTSA. For more information, contact UPREP at 210-458-2064.

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