Applications for University's PREP Program Due Fri., Feb. 15

Friday, Feb. 15 is the deadline for first-year applicants to submit applications for Texas A&M International University's 15th 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 University's PREP office located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 415, and from middle and high school counselors.

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 from June 5 to July 28, Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 12 noon.

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

The program is free, with lunch provided, but participants must provide their own school supplies such as notebooks, paper, pencils, and computer diskettes. Participants may also need to provide some field trip expenses, if any are scheduled.

Now in its 15th 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 groups in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology, however the program is open to both male and female applicants of any race or national origin.

For more information, please call PREP Director Dr. Julio F. Madrigal at 326-2765 or 326-2681.

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