Center for Computational Sciences and Advance Distributed Simulation (C2SDS) community activities comprise of very successful programs for pre-college and college students whose interests lie in computer science, mathematics, engineering and the sciences. C2SDS is also highly involved in the development of K-12 schoolteachers. These programs form a strong pipeline for students as early as 7th graders to enter college at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD); these students are then guided into graduate school. Pre-College Programs, directed at middle and high school students, include Houston PREP, Computational Science Academy, CS Academy, Scholars Academy, and High School Tours/Visits. C2SDS’s Houston PREP and Saturday Programs were awarded a Pre-College Award for Excellence in Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Technology by NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. in 1998. College Programs, which ensure student success at the undergraduate level, consist of Research Assistantships, Tutoring, Advising/Mentoring, Scholars Academy, Learning Center, Collaborative Learning Community Center, and the ADSRC Laboratory. Teacher Training is being undertaken in collaboration with NASA and other entities. These training sessions involve hands-on exposure/experience to new technologies and educational materials. Through future funding, we plan to make all developed curriculum accessible interactive online from the C2SDS’s website (www.uhd.edu/ccsds).
Houston Pre-Freshman
Enrichment Program (PREP) distinguished and intensive mathematics-based
summer enrichment, program that encourages high ability, socially and
economically disadvantaged students whose interests lie in mathematics,
science, computer science, or engineering technology. PREP provides the
educational enrichment opportunities necessary to pursue careers in these
fields. Students are invited to apply within their 7th - 9th
grade. Visit www.uhd.edu/prep for further
information.
Computational Science
Academy (aka Saturday PREP) An academic year continuation of the PREP
Program that mentors and nurtures PREP students. This academy provides necessary
reinforcement and encouragement to pursue mathematics, science, and engineering
technology careers and teaches conceptualization and problem solving. Students
in 8th - 9th grade are encouraged to apply.
CS Academy An activity of the
Advanced Distributed Simulation Research Consortium (ADSRC - a unit of the U.S.
Army Research Office) designed to allow socially and economically disadvantaged
students to bypass remediation upon entering college in areas of computer
science, computational science and mathematics. Topics include: Pre-Calculus;
C++; Java; and HTML. Students in their senior year of high school are encouraged
to apply.
Scholars Academy High school
seniors are invited each year to apply for competitive scholarships of up to
$5,000 per academic year to major in computer science, mathematics, engineering,
or any area of natural science at the University of Houston-Downtown. Visit www.uhd.edu/scholars
for additional information and applications.
High School Tours/Visits Tours of the university’s facilities
and demonstrations within the ADSRC Graphics/Simulation Lab are provided for
visiting groups of students from high schools. Middle and high school
instructors/counselors are invited to contact our Recruiter, Mr. Theophilus
Berry (713-221-8938) to schedule tours or a visit to your school.
Research Assistantship Students
are given the opportunity to obtain experience in Advanced Distributed
Simulation (ADS) research. ADS research involves 3-D modeling, behavior
representation, advanced visualization, and communications. Students receive
stipends while studying in a high-technology environment composed of
state-of-the-art computer laboratory.
Tutoring While UHD offers tutoring for freshmen courses, C2SDS
offers free tutoring in upper-level mathematics and computer science courses.
Tutors consist of college faculty and/or advanced college students.
Scholars Academy Community College students and UHD freshmen are
invited to apply for competitive scholarships of up to $5,000 per academic year
to major in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or any area of natural
science at the University of Houston-Downtown. Visit www.uhd.edu/scholars
for additional information and applications.
Advising/Mentoring Scholarship recipients and research assistants are
provided with advising and mentoring by college faculty members and/or advanced
college students.
Learning Center A Learning Center, established for use by UHD students
enrolled in mathematics and computer science courses, offers open lab hours and
tutoring sessions.
Collaborative Learning Community Center The aim of the CLCC is to
provide tutoring and mentoring for Scholars Academy recipients in mathematics
and computer science. As students collaborate, younger students interact and
learn from examples set forth by upper classmen.
ADSRC Laboratory This is a newly constructed, state-of-the-art
networked graphics environment, consisting of computers with the latest Pentium
Processors and large overhead monitors and TV screens, allowing 3-D
representations of simulations.
For questions, applications, or further information on the C2SDS’s
Community Activities, contact C2SDS at (713) 221-8207 or visit the C2SDS
Internet Site (www.uhd.edu/ccsds).