A&M International's PREP Program Accepting Applications

Texas A&M International University is accepting applications through Monday, March 2 for the 13th Annual Prefreshmen Engineering Program (PREP), a free summer program of University-level engineering and science studies for 7th - 10th grade students from Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties.

Applications for first-year participants are available from the Office of the Dean of the University's College of Science and Technology, located in Canseco Hall room 301, and from middle and high school counselors and math and science instructors.

To be considered for the program, first-year participants must submit a completed application, a supplemental information form, a 100 - 200 word essay which explains the student's desire to participate in the program, two nomination forms or letters of recommendation from mathematics or science teachers, latest official school transcript and grade report, and a grade point average computation provided by the applicant's school counselor.

The summer program is scheduled to operate at the University's main campus from June 1 to July 24. Now in its 13th year, the PREP Program provides high-ability middle and high school students with exposure to University-level engineering and science studies.

One program goal is to increase the number of under represented minorities and women in mathematics, science, and engineering, however, the PREP program is open to both males and females applicants of any race or national origin.

Students selected to the PREP attend the program on a daily basis, Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the University's state-of the-art north Laredo campus.

The program is free, but participants must provide their own transportation, and school supplies such as notebooks, paper, pencils, and computer diskettes. Participants may also need to provide some field trip expenses, if any are scheduled. Lunch will be provided at the University courtesy of the United Independent School District Food Distribution Center.

PREP courses include logic, pre-engineering, computers, physics, problem-solving, mathematics, SAT preparation, research and study, and career orientation.

For more information on the University's PREP Program, please call the University's College of Science and Technology at 326-2440.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

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