As the start of the Fall Semester comes into view, the summer programs that keep UHD buzzing through the summer months draw to a close. In mid-July, Houston Pre-Freshmen Enrichment Program (PREP) concludes its 29th year in operation at UHD.
Throughout this time, the program has offered a 6-week summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning experience for a highly diverse group of about 300 promising middle- and high- school students from across the city, at no cost to their families, thanks in large part to the generosity of corporate supporters, like Schlumberger.
Schlumberger, a global leader in the technology field that supports exploration and production in the oil and gas industry, has made gifts to UHD totaling $175,000 in the last five years alone. With this support, Houston PREP has supported the evolution and maintenance of curriculum that is engaging, meaningful and aligned with changes in technology. Schlumberger has a strong commitment to STEM studies for Houston pre-college students and has supported great results through deep interaction with an emerging generation of STEM leaders.
On July 12, Houston PREP Engineering Day 2018, students enjoyed an afternoon keynote address from Schlumberger's Director, Global Educational Programming and Community Engagement, Ms. Paula Harris. An accomplished advocate for students, and liaison between industry and education, Ms. Harris has served as a Trustee of Houston ISD, which, under her leadership, was recognized twice by the White House.
With the support of companies like Schlumberger, Houston PREP facilitates enrichment in topics not typically taught in great depth in middle- and high school, increasing the students' capacity to excel in these fields, and unlocking limitless curiosity to support a passion for computer science and engineering. Because of this commitment, Houston PREP produces great results, with forty-eight percent of Houston PREP graduates enrolling in STEM fields – more than thirty percent greater than the overall student population.
UHD is grateful for the generosity of partners like Schlumberger and for the efforts of outstanding volunteers, like Paula Harris.
