DMC’s TexPREP Summer Camp Empowers Underserved, Potential First-generation College Students for STEM Careers

Article by DMC College Relations and Flint Hills Resources

Symbolic logic, problem solving, physics and linear coding…those are subjects you don’t normally think sixth and seventh graders would spend time covering during the first part of their summer break. In fact, those subjects sound more like what upper-level high school or college students would take during summer semester courses. But for 55 area middle school youth, that’s exactly how they’ve spent the past six weeks as participants with the Del Mar College (DMC) Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program or TexPREP.

And, on Wednesday, July 17, those sixth and seventh graders showed off their acumen in the subjects taught as part of TexPREP during Media Day at the Oso Creek Campus by competing in robot races that showed design and coding skills, plastic straw bridge building techniques that tested strength under pressure and community architectural models that focused on design and applicable engineering principles.

The annual summer camp is free and offered through a competitive application process to students demonstrating strong academic aptitude, especially in mathematics.

During Media Day, Shollenberger acknowledged Flint Hills Recourses’ stepping up to support the program over a decade ago to ensure funding was available for its continuation each year. “In fact, eight years ago, Flint Hills Resources donated the robotic kits that  you’ve been building,” Shollenberger noted while speaking to the campers and some parents who attended the event.

Del Mar College’s rigorous TexPREP is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Students who complete each program year can earn one elective credit for every camp they attend. The coursework and projects become more advanced each progressive year that students complete. And, DMC TexPREP campers can start high school with almost a half semester of credits by completing all three program years and even use those credits to graduate early.

The College’s TexPREP utilizes project-based learning that progresses as students continue their participation each summer. Bridge building introduces campers to civil engineering, robotics to mechanical engineering and computer programming and vehicle model building to electrical engineering and aerodynamics. Members of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects also teach and mentor second-year students as they build models while learning the principles behind designing such wonders.

Students also learn more about STEM-based career opportunities with guest speakers sharing their experiences and the skills and knowledge needed to enter their fields. This year those speakers included representatives from the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Corpus Christi City Council, Del Mar College, Flint Hills Resources, Hansoni Inc., MEG Corp, Steel Dynamics, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Valero and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, among other guests.

Additionally, the program focuses on serving underrepresented populations, including youth who will be first-generation college-going students in their families and those nontraditionally represented in the STEM fields.

Demographic data for the past 10 years show that DMC TexPREP participation has been nearly 50% female, including one-third Hispanic female and three-quarters Hispanic and African American among students attending the summer program. Half of the participants were prospective first-generation college students with over 25% being female. Additionally, historical data for all PREP students shows on average:

·      approximately 44% completing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline compared to 15% nationally,

·      three-quarters completing a bachelor’s degree are from underrepresented and/or minority groups compared to less than one-third nationally, and

·      nearly 70% who complete a bachelor’s degree do so in a STEM discipline and are from an underrepresented and/or minority group compared to 31% nationally.

As for TexPREP 2024, Shollenberger said, “This year’s TexPREP participants may have spent six weeks of their summer immersed in challenging STEM projects and coursework, but Del Mar College and our partners have given them the foundation to continue their studies, set their sights on college and pursue careers of their dreams. TexPREP is an experience that will last them a lifetime.”

Saenz added during Media Day, “What a huge compliment just to be selected to be a part of this program. The competition was very stiff, and organizers only chose the best of the best.”

“That’s who we’re looking at today,” he added, speaking directly to the 55 campers. “You finished, and you’re almost done. What a fantastic accomplishment!”

Campers, their families and DMC and FHR representatives will celebrate that accomplishment with a party and ceremony to wrap up another successful summer of TexPREP and the foundation the program has built for another group of youth who will not only define their own future with the skills they’ve learned but also that of South Texas and beyond.

To learn more about the Del Mar College’s TexPREP, visit www.delmar.edu/ccprep.