For thousands of middle and high school students across Houston, the path to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) began with UHD’s Houston PREP. Since its start on campus more than three decades ago, the program has thrived under the leadership of UHD’s Sangeeta Gad, who has dedicated her career to building partnerships with local school districts and reaching students at a pivotal stage in their education.
“Students like to be challenged,” Gad explained. “Somewhere between middle school and high school, too many begin to doubt they can succeed in STEM. We remind them they can by giving them tools and opportunities to prove it to themselves.”
As part of the TexPREP initiative of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), UHD Houston PREP partners with districts such as Aldine, Alief, HISD, and Harmony. Each summer, about 250 students explore STEM fields—ranging from math and science to newer areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science—in a free five-week program. Students can return each year through high school, building skills and confidence along the way.
Through a hands-on approach on UHD’s campus, Gad says the program seeks to reach historically underrepresented communities who often face barriers in STEM. “Houston PREP is about showing students from underserved communities that they belong in STEM and giving them the confidence to pursue higher education,” said Edgar Diaz, UHD Houston PREP Program Coordinator. “We expose them to higher education through experiences that broaden their perspective, whether or not they ultimately choose a STEM career.”
The program’s impact is clear. A recent survey of PREP alumni now in college found that nearly all graduated from high school, 94% enrolled in or completed college, and almost half went on to STEM fields.
Gad began at UHD as an adjunct professor before moving into a full-time role a year later. She has shaped generations of math students at UHD as well as Houston-area middle and high schoolers through her student-centered approach. When asked about her impact, Diaz doesn’t hesitate: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Mrs. Gad for over eight years, and she remains one of the most exceptional colleagues I’ve ever known. Her integrity, dedication, and warmth consistently elevate those around her.”
Gad credits her success to UHD leadership, whose commitment has sustained the PREP program for more than three decades. That support includes grants, facility space, and opportunities created by the President’s Office, as well as strong backing from the Dean of the College of Sciences and Technology and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics. Together, these leaders have helped expand her network of Houston-area educators and ensured the program’s long-term impact. Reflecting on these partnerships, Gad said, “I am truly fortunate for the support I have received from community partners and our leadership team, which has allowed me to continue delivering on this important mission.”
Looking ahead, Houston PREP will continue to adapt to new challenges. Ensuring consistent funding will be key, as resources allow the program to enrich the student experience through activities like field trips that bring STEM to life beyond the classroom. “Field trips have always been a vital part of PREP,” Diaz said. “They help students see how STEM connects to the world around them.” Gad also emphasizes preparing future leaders to continue this mission. “One day, I hope someone with a love for STEM and a passion for students will carry it forward,” she said.
For Gad, the measure of success has always been her students. Many have returned to share their gratitude. “Former students often tell me what they learned here shaped their careers and futures,” she said. That impact, she adds, is what PREP is all about: inspiring young people to see themselves not only as learners but as future scientists, engineers, professors, and innovators.