Pre-College Initiatives Facilitate the development of scientific, mathematical and
technological skills and appropriate motivation and learning
strategies for disadvantaged, underrepresented and underserved
students in grades 7-12 to complete a secondary education, enter
college prepared to pursue degree programs leading to entry into
scientific, engineering and/or technological professions, and
graduate from college.
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• Rensselaer Alliance to Increase
Student Excellence (GEAR UP): provide students beginning in the 7th
grade (1999-2000) and the majority of whom are from low-income
families, with superior academic skills, high quality personal
attributes and sufficient preparation to graduate high school, enter
college, then graduate from college. The partnership consists of two
4-year colleges, one community college, six diverse school
districts, local industry and community-based organizations. The
principal mission is to create and implement a comprehensive project
to promote access to and enrollment in post-secondary education,
improve academic preparation required to attain a Regents High
School Diploma, assure that 95% of participants enter college,
attain sufficient financial aid to continue a postsecondary
education, and sustain support services for students and families
during their college years. The RAISE partnership provides
fundamental services for approximately 990 students to include
academic intervention services, student support services, parent
support services, teacher and staff development activities, career
development services, financial planning services, and community and
business services. RAISE summer programs include a two-week
residential experience. One two-week session focusing on Information
Technology and a second two-week session focusing on
Entrepreneurship.
• Rensselaer Summer Science Enrichment Program: a three-week
residential program for 20-30 entering ninth or tenth grade students
intending to pursue a degree in mathematics, the sciences, or
engineering professions. Students enroll in non-credit courses that
include Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Mathematical
Problem Solving, Computing, Personal & Career Development, and a
Project Design Workshop. Each course is designed to enrich and
expand current experiences in secondary school and provide
additional preparation to enable students to pursue rigorous
curricula in their home schools.
• The Capital District Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP):
designed to prepare 70 underrepresented, underserved and/or
economically disadvantaged youth for careers in scientific, health
and technological professions. The program’s initiatives focus on
developing problem solving and critical thinking skills through a
range of enrichment activities that include student development,
leadership opportunities, career exploration, college preparation,
internships, and parent workshops. Institute activities occur after
school and Saturdays during the school year. The Institute supports
students entering 7 through 12 selected from Capital Region schools.
• Rensselaer Saturday Scholars Academy: provides science,
mathematics and technology enrichment opportunities for 200
students, grades 7-10, underrepresented and underserved in these
disciplines, as a means to develop and assess instructional
strategies and resources effective in creating access to and
graduation from postsecondary education leading to professional
careers. Its primary focus is to facilitate (i) the development of
learning and problem solving skills by promoting hands-on activities
for minority, female, and/or gifted & talented students in grades
7-10, (ii) facilitate the acquisition, retention and application of
scientific, mathematical and technological knowledge, (iii) promote
attitudes to strive for academic and personal excellence, and (iv)
promote the development of instructional strategies to facilitate
problem solving skills. Activities, in various disciplines, create
opportunities for participants to actively seek and construct models
representing phenomena in a meaningful way. The Rensselaer Saturday
Scholars Program promotes access to careers in the sciences,
mathematics, engineering and health professions by creating a
learning environment that requires collaboration, modeling and
problem solving as a means to clarify and resolve problem
situations. Instructional units’ content raise the level of
understanding and promote self-confidence, teamwork and thinking.
• PREFACE Summer Program: a two-week residential summer
experience for talented high school juniors from underrepresented
and underserved groups interested in pursuing a career in the
engineering and technological professions. PREFACE enrolls 60-65
participants in two two-week sessions selected from a National
applicant pool. PREFACE is a sponsored by corporate support (85%)
and Rensselaer (15%). |
Undergraduate Initiatives Provide a range of services to increase enrollment, retention,
graduation and entry into scientific, technological and Engineering
professions of students who are underrepresented in these
professions.
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• Collegiate Science & Technology Entry
Program (CSTEP): undergraduate support services focusing on the
transition from high school to college; adapting to the Rensselaer
learning culture; academic support; career development; graduate
student advising services (NYS residents, underrepresented in the
licensed professions); 120 FTE per year.
• BRIDGE Summer Program: A six-week residential summer program
for 20 students admitted under regular admissions. The BRIDGE
Program provides an opportunity for the students to become familiar
with the Rensselaer community. Participation enables the student to
have a ‘head start’ by taking one 4-credit course, Introduction to
Engineering Analysis, required during their first year; thus
reducing their academic load. In additional, participants benefits
from intension academic and financial counseling, career development
and leadership skills.
• Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP): designed to serve
81 students per year who are both academically and economically
disadvantaged. Participants must demonstrate, based on their high
school record, recommendations and essay, the potential to succeed
at Rensselaer. HEOP provides some financial aid for tuition, room &
board. Rensselaer HEOP provides a range of services that include
academic, personal, financial and career counseling, a mandatory
six-week residential summer enrichment program, tutoring,
scholarship opportunities, Co-Op and summer employment
opportunities, and student development workshops. HEOP facilitates
academic and personal excellence resulting in graduation and the
mean to achieve career and professional goals.
• IBM Scholars Program: mentoring, summer work experience and
financial aid provided by IBM to approximately 10 entering
undergraduates per year and continues until graduation.
• UTC Science and Engineering Workshops: provides academic year
course enrichment; primarily first and second year science and
engineering foundation courses; annual participation rate from
125-160 students
• NASA Glenn Research Center Minority Recruitment Initiatives:
provides summer work experience and three scholarships for 2nd -4th
year undergraduate students.
• NACME Vanguard Program: provides academic and financial support
to students selected by NACME as participants in its VANGUARD
Program. |
