Houston PREP One Main Street Suite: 722-South

Houston, TX 77002 713-221-8686

713-226-5290 fax http://www.uhd.edu/prep

Dr. Richard A. Aló Houston PREP Director

Sangeeta Gad Houston PREP

Coordinator

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HOUSTON PREP 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Letter from the Director ………………………………………3

2) Purpose and Goals ………………………………………4

3) PREP Academic Curriculum …………………………………5

4) Program Operation ……………………………………….6

5) Participant Assistance ………………………………………7

6) 2008 Highlights ………………………………………9

7) 20th Anniversary Celebration ………………………………9

8) Fieldtrips ……………………………………...10

9) Engineering Day ……...………………………………13

10) PREP Awards ………………………………………………15

11) Program Demographics …………………………..................16

12) Follow-Up Survey ……….……………………………………..17

13) Student Improvements …………………………………………..18

14) Student Evaluations ……………………………………………..19

15) Student Testimonials…………………………………………....20

16) PREP Personnel ………………………………………..……… 21

17) 2007 Accomplishments…………………………………….…….22

18) Demographic Distribution of Program Staff .………………… .23

19) Sponsors List …………………………………………………. 24

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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Through the Houston PREP Program, the Center for Computational Science and Advanced Distributed Simulation (C2SDS) is doing its part to respond to the dwindling number of students entering careers in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science, which are occurring on a national scale. Notably, the increasing number of economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our population are not looking to these fields as viable options. Houston PREP is designed to encourage students from these groups to follow these career opportunities. Moving forward into the next century without such efforts, our nation is risking its leadership role in the high technology society that we have developed.

Programs such as Houston PREP are making a difference. The people and organizations that support it are the backbone of this development. We extend our sincerest thanks to all of you.

Richard A. Aló, Sangeeta Gad Program Director, Houston PREP Coordinator, Houston PREP Executive Director, C2SDS Director for Recruitment and

Retention, C2SDS

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PURPOSE AND GOALS

The goal of Houston PREP is to enhance the academic backgrounds of socially and economically disadvantaged and disabled students in the middle and high school levels; to encourage them into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers; and to improve their STEM literacy.

Houston PREP is directed toward the reinforcement of the normal pre-college mathematics instructional program offered in middle and high schools. By discussing college level topics, students are able to discover further applications of the mathematics they learn in their current academic programs. This also stimulates creative thinking using mathematical concepts to problem solve throughout their various courses. We provide an awareness of science and engineering through courses in the physics and engineering, research and study sessions, computational and computer science classes, and career opportunities components. Program participants agree to commit themselves to seven weeks of intellectually demanding classes and laboratories.

During the summer of 2008, Houston PREP celebrated its twentieth year of operation. 225 students completed Houston PREP, among whom, over 98.6% were female or from an underrepresented minority group.

During our 20 years of existence, we have enrolled more than 3,000 students. In our most recent follow-up survey of college-age PREP participants, of those who responded, their high school graduation rate is 99.9%. In this surveyed group, 94% are college students or college graduates; over 49% of them are enrolled in STEM fields.

Aldine, Crosby, Galena Park, Sheldon, Spring and Spring Branch School Districts are providing support in the form of teachers for the program along with daily and field trip transportation.

Fourth year students learning to build and program a robot

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PREP ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

First Year Logic and Its Application to Mathematics

Introduction to Engineering Computational Science/ Problem Solving

Introduction to Computer Science (Visual Basic)

Second Year Engineering

Linear Algebra/ Algebraic Structure Physics

Problem Solving

Third Year Technical Writing

Statistics Engineering

SAT Problem Solving

Fourth Year Pre-Calculus

Robotics Computational Science

Problem Solving

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TIMELINE

June 9 PREP Opening Day

June 13 Houston PREP 20th Anniversary

June 27 Field Trips: Museum of Natural Science; Museum of Health Science

July 9 Engineering Day

July 11 Field Trips: University of Houston; M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

July 15 Final Examinations

July 18 Closing Day Ceremonies

PROGRAM OPERATION

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PARTICIPANT ASSISTANCE

The Houston Metro System provided for reduced fares to students traveling on the Metro Bus System, by providing them with special ID cards.

The following school districts also provided school buses to transport students from their school campuses to the University of Houston- Downtown:

• Aldine ISD• Crosby ISD• Galena Park ISD• Sheldon ISD• Spring ISD• Spring Branch ISD• Project Grad

Instructors participated in the Houston PREP Program:

• Aldine ISDo Mr. Derek Clacko Dr. Linda Stevens

• Galena Park ISDo Mr. Silvester Morris

• Houston ISDo Mr. Ashfaqur Rehmano Mr. Ralph Polleyo Ms. Anagha Maratheo Mr. Luis Medina

• Spring ISDo Ms. Ingrid Conwayo Mr. Alfred Jones

• University of Houston-Downtowno Mr. Emmanuel Usen (Faculty)o Mr. Kevin Bullock (Undergrad)

• Private Schoolo Ms. Gwen Vastine

2008 Houston PREP Instructors

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SCHOOL DISTRICTS

The participating school districts are as follows:

• Aldine ISD

• Alief ISD

• Boys Ranch ISD

• Crosby ISD

• Cypress Fairbanks ISD

• Fort Bend ISD

• Galena Park ISD

• Houston ISD

• Humble ISD

• Klein ISD

• Pasadena ISD

• Sheldon ISD

• Spring ISD

• Spring Branch ISD

• Private Schools

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UHD President, Dr. Max Castillo welcomes the audience.

PREP 2008 HIGHLIGHTS

HOUSTON PREP CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

CCSDS Director Dr. Richard A. Aló, and Houston PREP Coordinator Ms. Sangeeta Gad, conducted the Houston PREP twentieth anniversary celebration that took place on June 13, 2008.

UHD President, Dr. Max Castillo was the main guest speaker of the event. He welcomed the audience and acknowledged achievements of Houston PREP last twenty years. Along with all of our sponsors, Dr. Castillo received a plaque as recognition for his unconditional support throughout his presidency. Dr. Castillo and Houston PREP sponsors their recognitions for their support. Among the many Houston PREP sponsors and supporters were Ms. Carol Petri, Associate Director of San Antonio TexPREP and represented its Director Dr. Rudi Reyna Mr. David Benson, representing Commissioner El Franco Lee of Harris County Precinct One, Ms. Helen Berger, Head Mistress of Houston Preparatory Academy was also present in the event. . Ms. Berger, Ms. Petri, and Mr. Benson have been strong supporters of Houston PREP.

Houston PREP alumni could not have been left out of this event. Miss Terrika Duckett, Miss Angela Martinez, and Miss Julia Gaona, who are all PREP alumni, attended the celebration and spoke to the current PREP students about how Houston PREP made their college experience easier and helped push their professional careers.

Miss Duckett Miss Martinez Miss Gaona

Dr. Richard A. Aló gives Ms. Petri recognition for her support.

Ms. Berger, and Mr. Benson receive recognition from Dr. Richard A. Aló and Ms. Sangeeta Gad.

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PREP STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MANY EDUCATIONAL FIELDTRIPS

1st Years explore the biology of the body at the Museum of Health ScienceThe four 1st Year classes attended a fieldtrip at the Museum of Health Science. For many students it introduced to them the way the body works from the inside. The museum provided an extensive and detailed walk-through exhibit of the entire body and all its functioning body systems. It gave the students visuals of how food is broken down and processed through the digestive system.

2nd Years express their Engineering interests at UH Central Campus The opportunity of going to the University of Houston’s Central Campus was granted to the three 2nd Year classes. At UH PREP students constructed buildings made of Lego’s that were tested for stability during a simulated earthquake. Students also had the chance to work with Alice, a 3D computer programming software. They experienced the thrill of riding a rollercoaster in the Virtual Reality Imaging Center.

3rd Years expand their minds at the Houston Museum of Natural Science The two 3rd Year classes were taken on a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. At the museum, they explored the Main Exhibit Halls, Welch Chemistry Hall, and Wiess Energy Hall by completing a mind-boggling scavenger hunt created by their crafty Program Assistants. The group that finished the scavenger hunt the fastest won a prize. After all their hard work, the students were able to sit and enjoy a 3D IMAX show about dinosaurs. After lunch they watched a presentation about Black Holes in the Planetarium.

3rd and 4th Years experience Science and Research at MD Anderson Cancer CenterThe 4th Year classes and one of the 3rd Year classes took a trip to the Medical Center to tour the MD Anderson Cancer Center. While visiting this prestigious hospital, the Houston PREP students attended many seminars in which they were educated on the different career fields that span the vast collection of jobs and opportunities at this Cancer Center.

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FIRST YEAR………

New PREP students learned they had a chance to be pioneers of innovation as they encountered the first year of the engineering-laden curriculum. First year groups began learning about engineering through problem solving activities, which required them to evaluate problems and form creative solutions. This year, students constructed both water and engine model rockets. First year students also studied logic and its applications to mathematics and computer science. This strong introduction to truth tables and fundamentals of logic helped lay the foundations for more advanced computer science and programming. Along with logic students had an opportunity to work with system of equations in order to reduce noise that masked a signal Students took on a challenge of working with Different by Design in which they were required to redesign an existing product and then complete a basic cost analysis.

SECOND YEAR ………

The second year students built bridges using balsa wood. These model bridges were tested on the basis of their strength, durability, and resistance to pressure. Students completed mousetrap racecars that were tested for distance and aerodynamic design. They then competed against one another to determine the fastest car with the longest distance traveled. This hands-on experience helped students understand the dynamics behind precise measurements and accuracy in building. Linear Algebra helped the students solve word problems and to graph inequalities. They also took a course in physics that introduced them to concepts such as velocity, friction, gravity, projectiles and vectors, preparing them for future science and mathematics courses.

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THIRD YEAR ………

Building a model house is often a long-awaited activity for PREP participants. For the engineering component of the third year curriculum, students constructed houses using balsa wood and tiny pins. In groups, students measured, cut, and assembled their houses to match the specific design they were assigned. This project lasted the duration of the program, and when completed, each house was graded for neatness, accuracy, and durability. Another component of PREP’s third year curriculum was Technical Writing. Within this course, students were introduced to important concepts in product design and promotion. Third year students were introduced to basic business foundations by developing a “Business Plan Report.” The students went through all the steps involved in the entrepreneurial process. They gained both practical and theoretical knowledge; from making an effective business pitch to investors to the core financial concepts of

time value of money and opportunity cost. Statistics class was useful in helping students determine probabilities and deviances in various sets of data. Students also worked with the Infinity Project, computer software in which students became familiar with the properties of sound and digital images. Additionally, an SAT Preparation course laid the foundations for the upcoming Scholastic Assessment Test that is crucial in college admission. Students practiced for math and verbal components of the SAT.

FOURTH YEAR ………

The fourth-year Houston PREP curriculum included Computational Sciences, Robotics, Pre-Calculus, and Science. Computational Science required the students to practice critical thinking. They gained exposure to STELLA modeling software, and Microsoft Excel to create biological models of factors un-testable in real world situations. In their robotics class, students used LEGO’s and Robolab software to build autonomous robots. The students were given specific guidelines and timeframes for the completion of this project, and in the end, their robots had to complete an obstacle course by following black lines to prompt the robot to turn. Along with robotics the students also learned Pre-Calculus. \

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ENGINEERING DAY

On July 9th Houston Prep showcased Engineering Day. A total of 16 presenters from various companies and organizations participated in the event where they exposed Prep students to careers in STEM fields. Throughout the day students were given talks ranging from nanotechnology to DNA extraction to a moonwalk presentation. A selected group of students were given the task to construct bridges out of spaghetti. After their brainstorming and construction were complete they were required to test the stability of their design by seeing how much weight the bridge could hold.

Throughout the summer 1st, 2nd and 3rd year PREP students have a class in engineering in which they are required to build racecars, bridges and houses, in that order, out of balsawood. During Engineering Day students have the opportunity to have their work showcased. Not only were the racecars displayed but the cars were also required to compete. With an auditorium full of the PREP students and other Engineering Day attendees the racecars competed in a single elimination race. For a car to win it had to go the furthest and maintain the straightest course.

The 4th year PREP students were not left out of the days events as they too demonstrated their ingenuity. Throughout the summer they worked in groups of four. Their objective was to use Lego’s MINDSTORMS NXT to build and program robots which would be capable of navigating themselves through a maze. Before the end of the day 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students watched as the 4th year students showcased how their robots could negotiate themselves through the obstacle course.

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ENGINEERING DAY PRESENTERS

Presenter Title Company Activity

Dr. John E. Allen Assistant Dean Tx Acad Math & Sci, Univ North Texas

Presentation about Texas Academy of Math and

Science Mr. James Robin Infrastructure and

Applications Exxon Mobil Global Services Company

Presentation about Exxon Mobil

Chad Bryan, April Lauper, Frank LaFuente,

Douglas Wiles, Mahmood Tijani, Ken

Wilson, Bhavdip Kalaria, Chris Daniel, Danell Sneed, Rachel

Amos, Prashanth Patil, Quentin Yuan

Presenters and Game Assistants

KBR, Inc. Created a module involving a ping pong ball

and cup

Ms. Andrea B. Mosie Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science

Johnson Space Center Moonwalk Presentation

Ms. Laurie Y. Carrillo, PE

ES3/Thermal Design Branch Engineering Directorate

Johnson Space Center Satellite and Rocket Presentation

Mr. Graham O’Neil Deputy Director United Space Alliance, Johnson Space Center

Space Station Presentation

Dr. Yash Gad CEO Simvivo Neuroscience Engineering Presentation

Mr. Caliph Hairston Sr. Technical Professional, Houston Business

Development

Halliburton Energy Services

Petroleum Engineering Presentation

Ms. Tonya M. Morris Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineer

Cameron Presentation about Environment Engineering

Dr. Byron Christmas Professor, Natural Science Dept.

University of Houston-Downtown

Chemistry Lab

Dr. Lisa Morano Associate Professor, Natural Science Dept.

University of Houston-Downtown

Biology Lab – Strawberry DNA extraction

Dr. Weining Feng Dept. Chairman, Associate Professor, Engineering Dept.

University of Houston-Downtown

Structural Design Laboratory Tour

Mr. Bruce Hunter Engineering Technology Lab Supervisor

University of Houston- Downtown

Presentation about Processing Tanks

Mr. Oscar Alvarado Secretary, SHPE Oil and Energy Engineer, BP

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers /

BP Global

Created bridges out of Spaghetti and tested

strength and durability with weights Mr. Marco Stocco President, SHPE

Flight Activity/ Attitude and Pointing, JSC

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers / Johnson Space Center

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2008 PREP AWARD CEREMONY

Approximately 350 PREP parents, faculty members and graduating participants attended the event. Each faculty member presented awards to the outstanding students from his or her classes. The Program Assistants awarded citizenship awards to students in his or her class. Mrs. Sangeeta Gad, PREP Coordinator then presented awards to the overall high-achieving students from each class.

Each student was recognized for their achievements and received a special award. All students who completed the program were awarded a certificate of achievement and a Houston PREP T-shirt. Each citizenship award recipient received a Houston PREP CD case. Those who were recognized as overall outstanding students were awarded with a Houston PREP 2GB USB flash drive. The ceremony was followed by a reception.

CITIZENSHIP AWARDS OVERALL OUTSTANDING AWARDS

Group Award Recipient Group Award Recipient 1A Jaqueline Martinez 1A Jaqueline Martinez 1B Andy Tran 1B Andy Tran 1C Oliver Croomes 1C Alexander Johnston 1D Abdias Maldonado 1D Steven Luong 2A Eduardo Cano 2A Ana Reyes 2B Vylace Collins 2B Eduardo Angel 2C Maria Pena 2C Xavier Barela 3A Cameron McClendon 3A Patricia Zamora 3B Moriah McIntosh 3B Bobby Gian 4A Milinda Hernandez 4A Katarina Schirren 4B Jorge DeLeon 4B Daniela Valdez

2008 Fourth Year PREP Classes

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2008 PROGRAM DEMOGRAPHICS

126

22

8

107

16

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

ETHNICITY

2008 Demographics PREP Started

African-American Asian Anglo Hispanic Other

99

6 19

88

13

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

ETHNICITY

2008 PREP DEMOGRAPHICS-COMPLETED

African-American Anglo Asian Hispanic Other

17

2%

8%

27%

3%

48%

12% Math

Engineering

Science

Computer Science

Undecided

Other

1%

12%

22%

9%

56%

Math

Engineering

Science

Computer Science

Other

2008 FOLLOW UP SURVEY RESULTS

• 99.9% are high school graduates• 99% are college students• 49% of the senior college graduates are engineering, mathematics, science or computer

science major

Former PREP Students - Currently In College

Former PREP Students – College Graduates

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2008 STUDENT IMPROVEMENTS

Logic Physics Statistics

Pre test 36.20% 28.70% 75.73%

Post Test 85.40% 75.13% 84.67%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

Scor

e

Percentage Improvement of Students

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2008 STUDENT EVALUATIONS

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%

105%

Prep Program Evaluations

The curriculum reinforced my mathematical skills.

I was mathematically prepared to participate.

This program reinforced my desire to study engineering, science, or math.

I worked to my fullest potential in PREP.

PREP helped me to become more organized and responsible academically.

I have a better understanding of what is required of college students.

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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“PREP prepared me for college by giving me a small glance at how college students studied in the summer. The constant pressure of doing more work was overwhelming, but paid off very dearly when I completed my freshman year of college.”

Juan Gaona Pasadena High School ‘06; Lamar University ‘11 PREP Alumnus 2004

“Being in Houston PREP has furthered my skills in communication and teamwork. When building the houses in Engineering, communication was needed to understand how the house was being built. Houston prep has also given me insight towards my goal to be in the medical profession. After going on the fieldtrip to MD Anderson I have gained more knowledge about many volunteer opportunities and internships at the hospital.”

Cameron McClendon Kerr High School, Class of 2009 Completed 3rd Year of PREP in 2008

“Houston PREP is exactly what it is named, a PREP. Every year when I return to school I am ready and already informed because I have been ‘prepped’ at the University in the summer.”

Adriuna Spivey Phillis Wheatley High School, Class of 2010 Completed 3rd Year of PREP in 2008

“Houston PREP has been a great experience. I have learned so much from it and applied it to my life somewhere along the way. I have made so many memorable friends and made great memories with them. In all, I'm glad I did it.”

Sally Nguyen Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Class of 2011 Completed 3rd Year of PREP in 2008

“Houston PREP was an amazing experience! I had the best four summers spending it there at University of Houston Downtown. Houston PREP really helped me out in my class work. When the following school year began, I always was either ahead of the class or knew what the teacher was talking about. The classes at PREP really helped me appreciate all the work engineers and scientist do. Plus aside from all this work I was able to meet people from the Houston area and we really got close and became the best of friends. PREP is a wonderful program that all students should do!”

Stephanie Francic High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Class of 2009

Completed 4th Year of PREP in 2008

"Houston PREP has helped me in every possible way, not only do I feel more prepared for college now, but my grades in school have also improved since I joined the program. Prep is a great program that I think needs to be more recognized. Students not just learn but also make friends that truly last a lifetime. Thank you Houston PREP"

Raymundo Delgadillo Humble High School, Class of 2010 Completed 4th Year of PREP in 2008

“Thank you for providing this opportunity for my daughter Taylor. Although Taylor has always been a good student, I’ve never seen her so enthusiastic and driven about school. I asked her how she felt about the program coming to an end for this summer; she said that she was sad. We’re excited to see you next summer. Thank you again!” ~Jenny Kaplan-Steen, Mother of Taylor Kaplan-Steen - Completed 1st Year of PREP in 2008

Parent Testimony

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2008 HOUSTON PREP PERSONNEL

PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dr. Richard A. Aló, Executive Director, CCSDS

PROGRAM COORDINATOR Ms. Sangeeta Gad, Director for Recruitment and Retention, CCSDS

CENTER STAFF Dr. Shantuan Coleman, MSI-CIEC Director, CCSDS Marvelia Rocha, Coordinator, CCSDS Carol Martinez, Executive Assistant, Houston PREP Orlando Huerta, Assistant, CCSDS Rafael Ortiz, Technical Assistant, CCSDS Rafael Ramirez, Assistant, CCSDS

PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS Kevin Bullock – Robotics (4th Year Groups) Derek Clack – Logic (1st Year Groups), Algebraic Structures (2nd Year Groups) Ingrid Conway – Statistics & SAT (3rd Year Groups) Alfred Jones – Problem Solving (1st & 2nd Year Groups) Anagha Machado – Technical Writing (3rd Year Groups) Luis Medina – Engineering (1st Year Groups) Silvester Morris – Logic (1st Year Groups) Ralph Polley – Computational Science (1st & 4th Year Groups) Ashfaqur Rehman – Physics (2nd Year Groups), Pre-Calculus (4th Year Groups) Linda Stevens – Problem Solving (3rd & 4th Year Groups) Emmanuel Usen – Engineering (2nd & 3rd Year Groups) Gwen Vastine – Visual Basic (1st Year Groups)

PROGRAM ASSISTANTSGary Acosta Juan Aviles Javier Batiz Julian Beaudion KaTrina Bullock Kevin Bullock Juan Gaona Priti Islam Jerome Stephens Marco Tzorin Amanda Walker

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2008 Houston PREP Accomplishments

Houston PREP Receives Funding from Five New Partners… Nielsen Company, Northrop Grumman, Project Grad, San Jacinto Stone Company, and Simmons Foundation.

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2008 Houston PREP Demographic Distribution of Program Staff

INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF:

COLLEGE FACULTY: 1

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS: 1

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS: 3

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS: 6

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT(S): 1

PROGRAM ASSISTANTS:

GRADUATE STUDENTS: 1

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: 10

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES: 1

ADMINISTRATIVE:

ASSISTANTS: 3

OTHER: 4, Dr. Richard A. Aló-Director, Sangeeta Gad-Coordinator, Marvelia Rocha, Dr. Shantuan Coleman

TOTAL STAFF: 31

SPONSORS

Aldine Independent School District

Center for Computational Sciences, UHD

Computer and Mathematical Sciences, UHD

Crosby Independent School District

Galena Park Independent School District

Houston Preparatory Academy

Kellogg Brown and Root

Northrop Grumman

Nielsen Company

Project Grad

San Jacinto Stone Company

Sheldon Independent School District

Simmons Foundation

Spring Branch Independent School District

Spring Independent School District

State of Texas Legislature

Texas Department of Transportation

TexPREP

University of Houston-Downtown