June 4 marked the beginning of the Utah Valley University Prefreshman Engineering
Program (UVU PREP), a free STEM summer program for middle school and junior high students.
Students who participate in UVU PREP are committing to an intense seven-week program for three consecutive summers. There is rigorous academic instruction, educational hands-on projects, challenging homework assignments, daily career awareness and field trips.
The program allows 7th, 8th and 9th grade students who have an interest and aptitude in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics fields to receive accelerated curriculum in preparation for high school and higher education. UVU PREP strives to provide opportunities for underrepresented and first-generation students to pursue STEM studies and careers. In fact, nine other education facilities have followed suit and started their own PREP programs. And as a partner with American Indian Services, many children come from reservations to attend the classes close to them.
“Students come out of UVU PREP with a strong work ethic. It’s a math boot-camp on steroids,” said Liz Andrus, director of School Community and University Partnership. “Career speakers come in and share real life application of potential jobs for these students.”
The application process includes providing a current report card, teacher recommendation, showing a 90 percent or above in mathematics and writing a 150-word essay about their desire to attend UVU PREP.
Due to the program’s intensity, students must demonstrate a dedication and determination to learn. Different courses are offered each year (e.g., Logic and Its Application to Mathematics, Introduction to Physics, Computer Science, etc.) and students are expected to complete their homework each night.
“This program goes beyond creating awareness for young people to attend college. It prepares them academically to successfully pursue STEM studies and careers,” Andrus said.
This year Willy Wolverine took photos and helped get the students excited for the program. UVU PREP has grown from 25 students in 2013 to more than 200 students this summer. The bulk of students who started UVU PREP in 2013 will be graduating in 2019.
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About Utah Valley University
At 37,282 students and growing, Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah and one of a few in the nation offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. UVU’s unique model, which focuses on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs and faculty-mentored research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds.