Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

Conference Track:  Outreach Programs and Acribitiees

Selection1:       Panel

Language:         English

Keywords:         Pre-College Programs with a Science Component

Contact Title:    Ms.

Contact First Name: Sofía

Contact Last Name:  Santiesteban

University:       Florida International University

Web:              www.fiu.edu/~fiupreco/

Position:         Director

Country:          US

Email:            santiest@fiu.edu

Fax:              305-348-1743

Paper Title:

Pre-College Programs Stressing the Science Component

Abstract:

Florida International University currently has several programs to attract low-income and future first-generation-in-college students. These programs have intensive experiences where the participants encounter science centered curriculum and interact with faculty, staff and currently enrolled college students. The programs invites applicants from Broward, Dade and Collier counties. The programs are recognized by the acronyms CROP (College Reach Out Program) Switch-On in Mathematics and Science; Middle School CROP; and Upward Bound.

CROP Swith-On is organized with the Physics Department. Funding comes from the Florida Department of Education, Miami Dade Community College, Key West Community College, and FIU.

Middle School CROP is a five-week of workshops for middle school students in the College Reach-Out program. The curriculum is an interdisciplinary approach to improve writing, math and socialization skills. The students also receive additional language arts, social studies and competencies in the sciences. The focus of the program changes every year with a common denominator in the physical and biological sciences.

Upward Bound is a federally funded program with an academic year and a summer component that serves high school students as well as recently graduated high school students who are transitioning into college. The program has a yearly tutorial component, biweekly Saturday workshops and a residential summer. The summer session lasts five weeks and covers an intensive program for the regular high school student, from 9th through 12th grade. It includes a curriculum to cover Math, Physics, Chemistry, English Composition and Literature, Computer Education and Introductory Spanish with extracurricular activities that range from Judo to additional skills to apply and survive in college. For the bridge students it includes four to seven college credits where a Freshman Experience course is an integral part.

Mailing Address:

Upward Bound & Pre-College Programs

FIU, University Park, GC225

11200 S.W. 8th Street

Miami, FL 33199

Phone:

305-348-1745

Other Authors:

Sofia Santiesteban / santiest@fiu.edu / Florida International University /(P)

Keriann Boxhill/ boxhillk@fiu.edu (Co-P)