PREP is a successful, hallmark pre-engineering program at UTSA that has served over 50,000 students in the State of Texas during the past 40 years. The PREP team seeks to contribute to the development of the future generations of STEM professionals, and provide opportunities for high school and middle school students to identify pathways to and through higher education. The program follows the mission of creating equitable access and participation of underrepresented students in STEM by offering low cost, innovative, active learning, on-campus experiences, motivating and inspiring speakers, and by promoting collaboration between institutions of higher education, school districts, industry and the community at large.
Our Stats
The Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP) served over 400 students from various districts across Bexar County during the summer of 2024. These students, ranging from 6th to 11th grade, participated in a variety of STEM activities, including guest speakers, field trips, a STEM day, and internships with UTSA professors in their research labs.
Some of the exciting STEM activities included building a medicine cooler, learning to use Vernier equipment, exploring probability and statistics, and designing and showcasing their own prototypes at a symposium.
This exceptional opportunity was made possible through the collaboration of several campuses, including the UTSA Main Campus, UTSA Downtown Campus, St. Mary's University, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Some of the exciting STEM activities included building a medicine cooler, learning to use Vernier equipment, exploring probability and statistics, and designing and showcasing their own prototypes at a symposium.
This exceptional opportunity was made possible through the collaboration of several campuses, including the UTSA Main Campus, UTSA Downtown Campus, St. Mary's University, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Fast Facts
405
Students completed the 4.5-week program at 4 campuses
16
College students served as PREP Program Mentors and Peer Mentors.
25
Teachers & Professors contributed as PREP Instructors
3
TEA Approved PREP courses were enhanced and offered to students
23
School Districts, along with private and charter schools, were represented
How We Teach
PREP brings together the expertise of UTSA faculty and staff as well as that of a select and talented group of teachers from the San Antonio area. Together, our instructional group aims to offer the most comprehensive, engaging, and inclusive instruction possible. Our instructional approach is to value the experiences and voices of all of our students, while guiding them to develop a deeper sense of appreciation for their skills and confidence in their future career pursuits.
PREP courses focus on increasing the students’ ability to apply mathematical and scientific concepts, while collaborating with a team to develop and build solutions to problems. The integrated curriculum is designed to increase problem-solving abilities, foster STEM mindsets, STEM career awareness, and to connect the problem in a culturally relevant way to students’ lives and community concerns. Students also develop oral and written communication skills emphasized in STEM fields
Our PREP student population (grades 6-11, ages 11-17) included students who identified as:
49%
Hispanic
21%
Asian
6%
African American/Black
12%
White
12%
Multi-Ethnic
1:1
Male-to-Female Student Ratio
