Cong. Cuellar Lets Students in TAMIU STEM Program Know About Brighter Futures

On Saturday, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28, MBA ’82) will help 90 students celebrate their entrance into the second year of a three-year grant program targeting improved minority representation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Cong. Cuellar is a guest speaker at the group’s Second Year Orientation Program Saturday, August 29 at 9 a.m. in Bob Bullock Hall, room 101.

The Texas A&M International University Program, known as the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP), aims to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities at TAMIU in science and engineering careers.  Cong. Cuellar helped secure the grant’s funding of approximately $750,000 in 2014.

Cuellar will address the students and share with them the importance of education in his own life and how a STEM-focused education can help them secure brighter futures.

“Traditionally, minority students have been underrepresented nationally in STEM careers,” Congressman Cuellar noted in a statement,  “There is a great need in our country for expertise in these fields and the demand will continue to grow for years. It has been my priority to make sure students in my district get a level playing field when competing for opportunities in higher education and in the workforce. I thank Dr. Keck and everyone involved in the MSEIP program at TAMIU for believing in our students and investing in the future generations of our community.”

TAMIU President Ray Keck will also be on hand and concurred that students indeed have promising futures thought the MSEIP Program.

“Research shows that students graduating in STEM fields have tremendous career and employment opportunities available to them, with premium salaries and benefits to those holding degrees in these fields. We consider ourselves blessed to be able to offer these students the key to that future through participation in this innovative program,” Dr. Keck said.

The bulk of high school students in the program come from both Laredo and United Independent School Districts. Those in attendance will also receive a program stipend.  Parents are especially invited to attend.

For additional information, contact Susan Foster, MSEIP Co-Director, TAMIU Office of Special Programs, at 956.326.3161, email mary.foster@tamiu.edu or visit offices in 

Student Center, 128G.