:: TexPREP ::

TexPREP Mission Statement

MISSION

The Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP), a component of PREP-USA, provides a challenging academic program designed to motivate and prepare middle and high school students for success in advanced studies leading to careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields.

PREP-USA is a national program with an emphasis on increasing the number of women and underrepresented minorities in these fields.

MISSION GLOSSARY

WE	Includes Central Office staff, faculty, site directors, site office support staff, program assistant mentors, counselors, career awareness speakers, public and private schools, universities and colleges, sponsors, benefactors, and supporters.
PREP	Founded in 1979 by Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal, the Prefreshman Engineering Program is a three-year mathematics-based summer program of approximately eight weeks duration. Pioneered in San Antonio, Texas, as a partnership of colleges and universities, as well as, public and private schools, PREP has been replicated throughout the nation.
CHALLENGING	PREP promotes abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills in students, combining their prior learning with new advanced concepts for solving problems that are hands-on and relevant.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM	The PREP curriculum is made up of interdisciplinary applied subject matter, with an emphasis on math-based logic and preparation for Advanced Placement classes.
MOTIVATE	PREP provides a rich learning environment that fosters: Self Confidence Interest and active curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Ambition to attend and be successful in college Increased desire to obtain valuable math and science inquiry skills Aspirations to become a STEM professional
PREPARE	PREP provides a rigorous learning environment with support and encouragement designed to increase academic success through study skills and self discipline, enabling participants to succeed in college.
STUDENTS	PREP participants are achieving students who have demonstrated a potential to be successful.
SUCCESS	PREP uses statistics to measure the number of participants that: improve in test scores for core material as measured by pre-class tests and post-class tests respond positively to the student attitudinal survey enroll in advanced placement classes in their schools successfully complete high school continue on to college successfully complete college enter Scientific, Technical, Engineering, or Math majors and, eventually, careers in those areas Future plans include comparative research based on participants' test scores on norm-based tests such as SAT, and ACT.
ADVANCED STUDIES	The PREP curriculum builds an academic foundation leading to enrollment in advanced placement or honors classes that the students can use to excel in high school. Depending on the site and successful completion of the PREP curriculum, students can earn high school and/or college academic credit.
CAREERS	PREP provides information on college and job opportunities through daily career awareness speakers, field trips and association with role models. PREP will continue to develop students' interests in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics by facilitating a "pipeline" for students after they complete the three summers of PREP.
NATIONAL PROGRAM	Although the program was established in Texas, PREP sessions are now conducted at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The majority of these colleges and universities are either Hispanic-Serving Institutions or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and reflect PREP's focus on minorities and women.
WOMEN & MINORITIES	PREP provides special outreach to Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans and females who have been historically underrepresented in the scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematics career fields.