Department of Mathematics and Physics

Purpose: The Title III: Leadership, Excellence and Academic Preparedness in STEM (LEAPS) program at Laredo College (LC), funded by the U.S. Department of Education, provides support to LC students with Associate Degrees to transfer to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification, paving the way for them to become high school mathematics teachers and to serve the community and surrounding area.

Goals:

1. Enhance the academic quality of students’ educational experiences to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates of Hispanic and low-income students in STEM through Undergraduate Research Opportunity (URG) - faculty and student partnerships
2. Provide enhanced STEM student support services (and advisement) through personal and web-based technology to facilitate student growth and academic success
3. Increase the number of STEM articulated transfer programs for LC students
4. Increase the body of knowledge on strategies that impact Hispanic STEM student success.

Eligibility: About 7 LC students attending TAMIU, majoring in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification who participate in LEAPS, will be awarded up to $5,000 per semester. Students will acquire knowledge through workshops, coursework, mentoring assistance in order to attain their bachelor's degree in mathematics with a secondary certification.

Application Deadline: Year 1 - January 10, 2020 for Spring 2020 semester and June 12, 2020 for Fall 2020 semester | Year 2 - January 8, 2021 for Spring 2021 semester and June 11, 2021 for Fall 2021 semester (the 2021 application is now avaliable).

Opportunities: LEAPS Teacher Scholars will participate in URO with mentors at the University, participate in research activities, and connect with mathematics teachers already in the field. LEAPS Scholars students will be supported through Professional Development Workshops, travel to an annual mathematics conference, and active membership in the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Inquiries: See attached application form for eligibility and requirements. Please contact Dr. Rohitha Goonatilake (email: harag@tamiu.edu and phone: 956.326.2588) for any questions or concerns about the scholarship awards.

LEAPS Mathematics Scholarship Committee §
Department of Mathematics and Physics
Office: LBV 312E | Email: harag@tamiu.edu | Phone: 956.326.2588
Texas A&M International University
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, Texas 78041-1900

§ LEAPS Mathematics Scholarship Committee is comprised of LC and TAMIU personnel.

Laredo College (LC) was honored to welcome Congressman Henry Cuellar on December 13, 2019 for the announcement of a combined $425,000 to benefit students in the LC LEAPS Program. Of which, $150,000 is for the Title III: Leadership, Excellence and Academic Preparedness in STEM (LEAPS) program at LC, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide financial support to LC students with Associate Degrees to transfer to Texas A&M International University to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification.