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Posted: 3/14/01

Zapata Students Part of Special Visit to A&M International March 23

 

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Over 220 students from Zapata Junior High School will be guests of Texas A&M International University's College of Education on Friday, March 23.

The students are part of ZJHS' Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) created by the federal government's Higher Education Amendments of 1998 and aimed at providing services to low-income student populations through communities and States to create new and expanded plans that strengthen schools.

The Zapata students will be participating in special hands-on educational sessions conducted by the College of Education. The group will arrive at 9:15 a.m. and stay through 2:30 p.m. Lunch on the campus green will be provided by the College.

Teresa Hein, Project Director for the Regents' Initiative for the College of Education, will head the event. She said it will afford students an opportunity to see higher education in action and help them to see their future through higher education.

"We consider this part of our most important regional outreach efforts and will be working to show students what higher education can make possible and how they can better secure their futures through higher education. Our hands-on sessions will incorporate cutting-edge technology and afford students an opportunity to see how technology will be crucial to charting successful futures," she explained.

Hein noted that providing students with this experience early in their high school preparation is important.

"In a short time, these students will begin preparing for college entrance exams, applying for admission or financial assistance and exploring what's next. We think opportunities like this are important as students consider their options for a brighter future," she said.

A&M International's involvement with regional GEAR UP programs grows from its own GEAR UP Program, "Creating A Vision, " a five-year project that includes collaborations with Laredo Independent School District (Lamar Middle School, Memorial Middle School and Nixon High School), and United Independent School District (Clark Middle School and Alexander High School), Communities in Schools, Literacy Volunteers of America, ACT Southwest Region, and The College Board, Southwestern Regional Office. The University is also home to a GEAR UP program operated by Texas A&M University.

For additional information, contact Hein at 326.2694, email to thein@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Killam Library, room 322.

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

Event Agenda:

9:15 Arrival Group 1

9:30-10:20 Session I

10:30-11:20 Session II

Rooms Used: BH 222, PH 203, Kinesiology Bldg

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Lunch on the University Green

12:00 p.m. Departure

12:30 Arrival Group 2

12:30-1:20p.m Session I

1:30-2:20 Session II

Rooms Used: BH 222, PH 203, Kinesiology Bldg

2:30 Departure


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