TexPREP program targets math and science students

ALPINE Area middle school students enrolled in the Alpine TexPREP (Texas PreFreshman Engineering Program) were honored at a closing day ceremony July 31 at Sul Ross State University.

TexPREP targets high-performing math and science middle school students and provides them with an intellectually stimulating, mathematics-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) summer education experience.

Students are in class from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The seven-week program, directed by Susan Fox Forrester, began June 11.

"It has been a good learning experience," said Aurora Nugent, a Fort Davis Middle School student. "My favorite area has been logic."

Nugent, along with Alpine students Jessica Rivas, Abel Silvas and Victor and Tomas Vega, have participated in a number of projects, including building their own speakers. Additionally, they have taken field trips and listened to motivational speakers.

Classes have been taught by Sul Ross faculty member Kris Jorgensen and Ron Hartberger, who taught at Sul Ross in 2005-06 and now teaches at the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

"I enjoy students of all ages," said Hartberger, who also teaches graduate students at the University of St. Thomas.

He praised the students' dedication.

"There are times when I have to tell them to go home at 4 p.m. because they are so involved in problem-solving" he said "We are trying to establish a firm basis in the fundamentals, but also add a dimension of fun...We try to show them work can be fun if you choose the right job."

Alpine TexPREP is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is an initiative resulting from collaboration between Sul Ross, University of Texas-San Antonio, Victoria College and the Dallas County Community College District.

"The program started in San Antonio about 30 years ago and has had very positive results," Forrester said. She noted statistics indicating 99.9 percent of the students who have completed at least one summer of PREP have graduated from high school and more than 80 percent are college graduates.

"This is a very intensive program, but it is very rewarding," she said. "It is a very good program for students who like mathematics and science. It teaches them what they can do."

The Alpine PREP program is open to residents of Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis, Hudspeth and Pecos counties. The program includes classes, motivational speakers and field trips.

Students must re-apply to be accepted in the program each summer. Students may participate for three years, with one high school credit awarded for successful completion of each session.

This summer's curriculum included the study of logic and mathematical applications, as well as an introduction to engineering. Year two will feature algebraic structures and an introduction to physics. The third year curriculum includes introduction to probability and statistics, computer science and technical writing. 

TexPREP's overall mission is to reinforce student success in math, science, engineering and technology.

While the program serves all students who meet the requirements, TexPREP seeks students who are members of minority groups who have traditionally been underrepresented in the engineering, mathematics and science professions.

"We plan to expand our recruiting efforts for next year," Forrester said. "We are seeking at least 20 students in the class. This is a program that requires commitment, but the results for improved academic success at both the secondary and collegiate levels are well documented."