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TexPREP
Introduction to TexPREP
Texas A&M International University is pleased to announce its seventeenth annual Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP), an opportunity for high-quality local and area middle and high school students to be exposed to college-level mathematics, science and engineering studies. This year's program will take place June 2-July 4, 2008.
Selected students attend the University program at no cost. Costs are partially defrayed by grants from the Texas Coordinating Board of Higher Education - Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act and financial and in-kind contributions from private industry and private and public institutions. Among those who have helped nurture the program are Lupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation, Texas Department of Transportation, South Texas Workforce Development Board, AMOCO, Chevron USA, CP&L, Jim Hogg CISD, Laredo ISD, Laredo Manufacturers Association, Mary Help of Christians School, Mirando City ISD, NASA Houston, SONY Corp., St. Augustine High School, Texas A&M University-College Station and Kingsville, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, United ISD, University of Texas at San Antonio, Webb CISD, and Zapata CISD.
The TexPREP Program aims to increase the number of competently prepared underrepresented minority and female students from the TexPREP area who will ultimately pursue science, mathematics, engineering and technology studies in college; to reinforce the mathematics preparation of these students in the pursuit of mathematics, science and engineering at the pre-college and college levels; to increase the retention rate of these student in college; and to acquaint students with professional opportunities in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
Since the traditional obstacle for many under represented minorities and females is mathematics and its problem-solving applications, a major objective of TexPREP is to strengthen the students' abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills. Program efforts are directed toward discussion of college-level topics not previously available to students. An additional emphasis is placed on mathematics, science, and engineering awareness in engineering courses, research and study sessions, and career opportunity components.
Students selected for the TexPREP Program will attend classes at Texas A&M International University from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 2-July 24, 2008. Students will be required to provide their own notebooks, paper, pencils, and computer diskettes. Transportation expenses are the student's responsibility. Lunch will not be provided.
The TexPREP Program is an intensive eight-week learning experience. Students will be expected to maintain at least a 'C' average in the Program and must be present each day during PREP hours. A typical TexPREP day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Other off-campus activities such as field trips may be scheduled. Students testing will determine placement in mathematics, logic, and computer science.
The TexPREP Program includes the following courses of study:
Logic
Statements, Compound Statements, Truth Tables, Rules of Inference, Quantifiers, Paradoxes, Elementary Set Theory, Boolean Algebra and Switching Circuits.
Introduction to Engineering
Historical perspective, service to society, professional responsibilities, development of good study habits, spoken and written communication, technical calculations, use of electronic hand calculators, statistics and graphical analysis, the metric system, basic laws governing behavior of physical systems, applications to mechanical and electrical systems.
Introduction to Computer Technology
Overall view of capabilities-applications of computers; hardware and software concept explanation to include systems components for personal to mainframe computers; components of the world wide web and computers ethics, creation of web pages and their use in everyday activities. Exposure to different computer fields.
Introduction to Computer Science
Overall view of capabilities-applications of computers; hardware and software concept explanation to include systems components for personal to mainframe computers; writing of programs in BASIC, C and Pascal in University Computer Lab.
Topics in Problem Solving
Daily seminar course with problems in logic, computer science and engineering courses to include mathematical formulation of word problems, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics and engineering.
Research and Study
Use of library work on computer science, engineering projects; airplane design, security systems, egg drops and bridge design, consultation with instructors and program assistants.
Career Opportunities Awareness
Invited speakers from local and state high-tech industries will discuss current and future professional engineering and scientific opportunities. Career counseling on topics as diverse as resume' preparations, college financial aid and practice SAT examinations.
Unless otherwise specified, all curriculum offerings will be realized in the facilities of new Texas A&M International University campus. These facilities include the Sue & Radcliffe Killam Library, the Texas A&M International University Computer and Science Labs, and University classrooms.
Courses will be taught by University professors, visiting professors from public schools, and by members of the working and teaching science and engineering community.
As is to be expected in a program of this caliber, space is limited to 120 participants and entrance is highly competitive. Students will also be tested during the month of March, and the application, essay and test scores will be used to determine selection into the program. A total of 120 applicants will be selected to participate in TexPREP 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
In addition to this change in application and selection processing, you will be responsible for your own transportation and for your meals while on the TAMIU Campus.
*Application Deadline is February 4th, 2008 for all applicants.
To apply for TexPREP online this year, please connect to the appropriate application link below:
- If this is the first time you apply for TexPREP, please access the following link.
- If this is your second year applying for TexPREP, please access the following link.
- If this is your third year applying for TexPREP, please access the following link.
- If this is your fourth year applying for TexPREP, please access the following link .
- After completing the online application, please print out the confirmation page and submit all required documents to complete your application process along with your $40.00 application and testing fee (Late fee $65.00 after February 15, 2008). For more information, call the Texas A&M International University Special Programs Coordinator, Julissa Garza, at (956) 326-2700 or (956) 326-2702.
- NO FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
The complete application must include:
*$40.00/$65.00 application processing fee. This processing fee must be made payable to TAMIU, if payment is made in the form of a check or money order please mail it with your application. If the payment is in cash or credit card, then the payment will have to be made at our office located at Student Center 118 during regular working hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ONLINE INITIAL
*Student Application and Supplemental Information forms.
*The required essay from the student which explains his or her desire to participate in the TexPREP Program.
*Two nomination forms: One from Mathematics, and one from a Science teacher or counselor.
*Latest official school 2007-2008 transcript and grade report.
*GPA average computation by counselor.
*Choose Test Date: March 22 or March 29.
All applications should be submitted to:
Julio F. Madrigal, Director
Attn: TexPREP 2008 Yr _______ (1, 2, 3, 4)
Texas A&M International University
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, Texas 78041-1900
(956)326-2700 or (956)326-2702
* All applicants will be notified of their program acceptance or denial on or before April 25th, 2008
*Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.*
* NO FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED *