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Pre-collegiate Programs
Up to Community Partnerships

Through a number of pre-collegiate programs, UH-Downtown reaches into public schools to help young students develop strengths and explore their dreams.  Ultimately, these programs help to build future university students who can enroll at UHD or another university with the determination and capability to succeed.

Among these programs are:

Jefferson Davis Educational Collaborative
The Jefferson Davis Educational Collaborative was established in 1989 in an attempt to improve academic performance, reduce the dropout rate, and increase college enrollment among the largely Hispanic student body at Jeff Davis High School on Houston’s near north side.

This partnership links UHD with the Houston Independent School District, Houston Endowment, Inc., Tenneco, and El Paso Energy Corporation.  It is associated with Project GRAD, an educational reform effort that began in Houston in the 1980’s and has since expanded to other parts of the country.

The program includes four-year scholarships, internship opportunities, and the James Ketelsen Academic Institute at UHD each summer.  UHD provides matching scholarships for qualified students.

Houston PREP (Prefreshman Enrichment Program)
Houston PREP is an academically-concentrated, eight-week program supported by a number of corporations and government agencies.  The program is aimed at high-ability middle and secondary school students who are socially and economically disadvantaged and/or disabled. 

Houston PREP is designed to help students explore and prepare for careers in mathematics, science, engineering and technology.  Many students in the program continue their studies at the Saturday Academy, which meets during the academic year.

Talent Search
Educational Talent Search serves students in grades 6 through 12 from the Aldine and Houston Independent School Districts.  Participants spend two weeks during the summer at UHD, benefiting from study skills workshops, tutorial services, and assistance in obtaining financial aid for college.

Upward Bound
Upward Bound is an intensive college-preparatory program that began at UHD in the 1970’s.  Students from four high schools in the Houston Independent School District spend six weeks each summer in UHD’s classrooms, enhancing their potential through participation in academic classes and cultural enrichment activities.