Houston PREP 2005
University of Houston-Downtown
Abstract
Richard A. Aló

The goal of Houston PREP is to enhance the academic backgrounds of socially and economically disadvantaged and disabled students in the middle and high school levels; to encourage them into Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Technology (MSET) careers; and to improve their MSET literacy.

Houston PREP is directed toward the reinforcement of the normal pre-college mathematics instructional program by discussing college level topics not offered in high school or middle school. We give a science and engineering awareness thrust in the physics and engineering courses, research and study sessions, computational and computer science, and career opportunities components. Program participants agree to commit themselves to seven weeks of intellectually demanding classes and laboratories.

During the summer of 2005, Houston PREP celebrated its seventeenth year of operation. There were 210 students attending Houston PREP, among whom, over 93% were female or from an underrepresented minority group.

Since 1989, over 1400 students have completed at least one summer of Houston PREP. Our current follow up survey showed that 99.9% of these students graduated high school, of which 94% are now college students or college graduates. More than 49 of these students majored in science or engineering.

Houston , Aldine, Spring, Spring Branch, Galena Park and Sheldon ISDs are providing support in the form of teachers for the program and daily and field trip transportation.