PREP students learn about computer technology on state-of-the-art
equipment and exercise their minds in projects such as designing
bottle rockets.
Middle, high schoolers participate in summer PREP program
(June 27, 2002)--More than 1,350 students are participating in the 2002 San
Antonio Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) taking place at nine college
and university sites including the UTSA 1604 and Downtown campuses, June 10-July
31. PREP identifies achieving middle and high school students with the interest
and potential for careers in science, engineering and technology, and other
mathematics-related areas and reinforces them in the pursuit of these fields.
The eight-week, mathematics-based academic program designed for students in
grades six through eleven allows students to receive up to one elective credit
toward high school graduation for each successfully completed summer of PREP.
The academic program is staffed by approximately 65 professionals from various
disciplines and industries such as college faculty, high school teachers,
industrial engineers, scientists and mathematicians. The program also enlists
the help of 75 Program Assistant Mentors, typically undergraduate engineering,
mathematics and science majors.
Last year, PREP enrolled 1,311 students, with 1,146 successfully completing
the program. Of those who began PREP, 87 percent were members of minority
groups traditionally under-represented in the fields of mathematics, science
and engineering; 54 percent were female and 50 percent were from low-income
families.
The program was founded in 1979 by UTSA Professor Manuel Berriozabal
and since its inception, 9,514 students have completed at least one summer
component. Since 1986, PREP has been replicated in 13 other Texas communities
and in 1996 a grant was awarded from NASA to provide for the replication of
PREP throughout the nation and Puerto Rico. The nationwide program, Proyecto
Access, is operational at ten campuses across the country and Puerto Rico.
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TODAY'S HEADLINES:
Institute of Texan Cultures presents "Tornadoes: Into the Storm"
July 19 selected as make-up day for class hours lost due to weather
UTSA Tri-Campuses re-opened July 5
UTSA engineering researchers help NASA with robot project
Middle, high schoolers participate in summer PREP program
Engineering dean speaks to business leaders about goals
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