Texas A&M International University

$299,997 Grant to TAMIU to Increase Participation
of Minorities, Women in Science and Technology

U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar announced a $299,997 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Sept. 2, 2008, to increase the flow of under-represented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into science and engineering careers. The grant will be distributed in $99,000 increments over three years.

Congressman Henry Cuéllar, third from left, holds a check for $299,997. Joining him, from left to right are: Dr. Pablo Arenas, TAMIU provost and vice-president for academic affairs, Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, Congressman Cuéllar, Dr. Julio F. Madrigal, director, TAMIU Office of Special Programs, Cristina Hernandez, director, grant resources, José Cerda, principal, Early College High School, and Dorothy Porter, director, United High School Engineering and Technology Magnet.

Specifically, TAMIU will use the funds to implement a three-year special project under the Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program. The project will fund the preparation of 90 low-income and potentially first-generation college students from under-represented groups to complete secondary education and to succeed in post-secondary education programs focused in science and technology fields.

“This presents a remarkable opportunity for TAMIU students to excel and advance in scientific and technological careers,” Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said, “It aligns strongly with our University’s growth in the math, science and engineering areas and has the long-range potential to help address our region’s and nation’s growing needs in these fields.”

“I applaud the efforts of TAMIU to secure the funding necessary to make this important program possible,” Congressman Cuellar said, “This is a great step toward addressing needs in the region for professionals in math, engineering and science. For the 90 students and their families who will benefit from the program, I look forward to their progress and to their contributions to the community.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program assists predominantly minority institutions in effecting long-range improvement in science and engineering education programs by supporting special projects designed to address specific barriers that eliminate or reduce the entry of minorities into science and technology fields.

For additional information, contact Dr. Julio F. Madrigal, professor and director of the University’s Office of Special Programs at 956.326.2700, visit offices in Student Center room 118 or e-mail jfmadrigal@tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu