Summer program geared for computer science, engineering

Area junior and senior high school students interested in pursuing occupations in computer science or engineering fields can find out how to make their dreams a reality by attending University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Pre-Computer Science/Engineering Summer Program July 14 – Aug. 7. 

Hosted by the university’s School of Science and Computer Engineering and funded through a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Technology Workforce Development Program, the four-week series of events will focus on helping students in three basic areas: academic, financial and mentoring.

“We will strengthen the students’ academic background through appropriate courses in mathematics, computer science, technical writing and English,” says UH-Clear Lake Associate Professor of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Alfredo Perez-Davila.
“Additionally, students will receive information about innumerable scholarships, grants and loan programs especially for those pursuing degrees in computer science and engineering. We hope to help them realize that lack of financial means should not be a factor in deciding whether to pursue a college degree.”

Finally, explains Perez-Davila, they will help students navigate through the maze of higher education, including the college application process, the U.S. Department of Education financial aid filing process, future college life and engineering/computer science programs. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with School of Science and Computer Engineering students, faculty and staff.

“Our goal is to help students sharpen the necessary skills to pursue a college degree in computer science or engineering, increase their chances of acceptance into such programs and, more importantly, increase their chances for success upon enrollment,” adds Perez-Davila.

The Pre-Computer Science/Engineering Summer Program is open to any Houston/Galveston area high school student who has successfully completed the 10th grade by June 2008. Students must have a strong desire to improve their chances for success in applying and being accepted at the college of their choice after high school, particularly for those pursuing degrees in computer science and engineering. All eligible students are encouraged to apply early to the summer enrichment program, which includes activities and information specifically for low-income students, women and minorities who are currently under-represented in the field.

For more information, visit the program’s Web site, http://sce.uhcl.edu/pcs-esp/, call Perez-Davila, 281-283-3863, or e-mail perezd@uhcl.edu.