DMC’s TexPREP Summer Camp Empowers Underserved, Potential First-generation College Students for STEM Careers
18
July
2024
|
23:13 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
College-minded campers demonstrated competencies during Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program’s 2024 Media Day on July 17; program supported by 12-year Lead Sponsor Flint Hills Resources
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.
Architecture Designs_TexPREP Media Day 2024
Del Mar College’s (Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) utilizes project-based learning that progresses as students continue their participation each summer. Members of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects teach and mentor second-year students as they build models while learning the principles behind designing such wonders. During TexPREP Media Day 2024, held July 17 the models were judged as part of three competitions held to wrap up the six-week summer camp targeting underserved, first-generational youth who demonstrated a strong aptitude in mathematics. Fifty-five sixth and seventh graders participated after completing the highly competitive application process. (Credit: DMC Media Relations)
TexPREP 2024_Robots
During Media Day on July 17, middle school students attending the 2024 Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) at Del Mar College engaged in competitions to demonstrate their acumen in skills learned during the six-week camp focused on expanding their foundation in mathematics and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) areas. Among the competitions were robot races that allowed TexPREP campers to demonstrate their design and coding skills using kits supported by a donation eight years ago by Flint Hills Resources, the program’s lead sponsor for the past 12 years. (Credit: DMC Media Relations)
Bridges Constructed of Straws and Hot Glue_TexPREP 2024 Media Day
Del Mar College held its 2024 Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) Media Day on July 17 to showcase the skills and knowledge that 55 area sixth and seventh graders developed over the past six weeks. The event includes three types of competition, including bridge building techniques that use plastic drinking straws and hot glue to test their strength under pressure. The annual summer camp is free and offered through a competitive application process to students demonstrating strong academic aptitude, especially in mathematics. (Credit: DMC Media Relations)
“
Del Mar College’s program is designed for motivated, high achieving students with ‘A’ averages in all of their core courses and the desire to work with new ideas. Our philosophy is to prepare these students to excel while attending college, not to just get into college. Historically, students who have completed the College’s TexPREP camp earn at least a bachelor’s degree, and several of our past participants have eventually earned graduate degrees.
James Shollenberger, TexPREP Co-director and DMC Professor of Mathematics
„
FHR_Stack_Color
TexPREP is a statewide initiative that began in 1979 at The University of Texas at San Antonio to encourage middle school- through early high school-age students to pursue studies and careers in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Del Mar College introduced TexPREP to its summer youth programming in 2000.
Additionally, the program’s longevity has been made possible by the 12-year lead sponsorship from Flint Hills Resources (FHR) with overall donations reaching approximately $225,000.
“
Our long-standing partnership with Del Mar College is a testament to our shared vision and impact we’ve been able to make on students throughout the years, and it’s a privilege to watch young people in our community flourish with TexPREP. We continue to be committed to empowering a new generation of leaders and supporting STEM education in Corpus Christi.
Andy Saenz, Public Affairs Director with Flint Hills Resources
„
Andy Saenz_Flint Hills Resources Public Affairs Direct0r_TexPREP Media Day 2024_Credit FHR
During the Del Mar College Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program’s Media Day on July 17, Public Affairs Director for Flint Hills Resources Andy Saenz addressed the 55 sixth and seventh graders who attended the six-week camp to expand their skills and knowledge in mathematics and other STEM-focused areas to build a foundation for college and careers in the future. Flint Hills Resources has served as the lead sponsor for DMC’s program for the past 12 years and has donated approximately $225,000 to support TexPREP, which is offered free to participants each year. (Credit: Flint Hills Resources)
Andy Saenz_Public Affairs Director_Flint Hills Resources_TexPREP Media Day 2024_Credit DMC
During the Del Mar College Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program’s Media Day on July 17, Public Affairs Director for Flint Hills Resources Andy Saenz addressed the 55 sixth and seventh graders who attended the six-week camp to expand their skills and knowledge in mathematics and other STEM-focused areas to build a foundation for college and careers in the future. Flint Hills Resources has served as the lead sponsor for DMC’s program for the past 12 years and has donated approximately $225,000 to support TexPREP, which is offered free to participants each year. (Credit: DMC Media Relations)
Prepping the Robot_TexPREP Media Day 2024_Credit Flint Hills Resources
Two female campers, who participated during Del Mar College’s 2024 six-week summer Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP), prepare their robot for the race competition held during Media Day on July 17. The free camp offers sixth and seventh graders the opportunity to expand their foundation in mathematics and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) areas once accepted through a competitive application process for college-minded and underrepresented youth with an aptitude for the sciences. The program is largely supported by lead sponsor Flint Hills Resources, who over the past 12 years has donated approximately $225,000 to keep the summer program at Del Mar College running. (Credit: Flint Hills Resources)
On Your Mark_TexPREP Media Day 2024 Robot Race_Credit Flint Hills Resources
2024 Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program participants watch as one of the programmed robots makes its way through the obstacle course during Del Mar College’s Media Day on July 17 at the Oso Creek Campus. This summer 55 sixth and seventh graders spent six weeks attending the project-based learning experience that progresses as students continue their participation each summer. Robotics introduce campers to mechanical engineering and computer programming and vehicle model building to electrical engineering and aerodynamics. (Credit: Flint Hills Resources)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- Where Tradition Begins: Del Mar College Hosting First “Viking Fest” Oct. 25Article by DMC College Relations/Adrienne VanBrunt There’s always a “first,” and this year, Del Mar College will make history by hosting its first “Viking Fest” on Friday, Oct. 25. The public is invited to join the festivities from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405) for an evening filled with fall fun, engaging activities and the spirit of Viking pride. More than just a fall festival, “Viking Fest” celebrates what it means to be a Viking with this family-friendly event offering entertainment and learning experiences for all ages. The event features a variety of giant inflatables––including a 100-foot obstacle course, pumpkin bounce house, frisbee toss, darts and sports activities like football, baseball, basketball, soccer and golf––carnival games, a car show and live music. The College also will highlight several programs with impressive displays, such as a semi-truck and simulator, an EMT vehicle and a fire truck––all used for training DMC students for successful careers. There’s even a costume contest and Zombie & Monster Walk/Run, so come dressed to impress! “Viking Fest” is a community event with free admission. Tickets sales cover carnival games that support DMC student clubs, food and beverages. Information about the event is available on the Viking Fest Facebook page and the DMC web page, which includes a map showing the event layout and a performance, awards and costume contest schedule. Questions can also be directed to College Relations Marketing & Events Executive Director Jason H. Houlihan at 361-698-1247 or jhouliha@delmar.edu. Leading up to “Viking Fest” that day, the College’s Welding Technology Program will host their third annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition with area high school, college and trade school students showcasing their skills as they compete for scholarships and other prizes. Competition begins at 10 a.m., and the community is welcome to watch these future professional welders demonstrate what it takes to enter the field. Winners will be announced and awards given at 5:30 p.m. on the live music stage. But, if you’re more into Zombies and monsters and like to dress up as one, Intramurals with the College’s Kinesiology Program will host a one-mile Zombie & Monster Walk/Run with in-person registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Emergency Training Building (FEMA Dome). Individuals can also pre-register online, and the first 50 registrants will receive a complimentary tee-shirt for participating in this free activity. The festival also features live music with the popular Jon Carr Band, known for their lively country and rock tunes. Between sets, DJ DIJIT will keep the atmosphere amped up with upbeat tracks. Stage activities also include the “Viking Fest” Costume Contest at 8:30 p.m. with all ages welcome to compete. Winners will receive a $50 gift card for best costume. And, of course, what is a festival without games? DMC student clubs will host carnival games for exciting giveaways with free candy and $1 ticket purchases in the Coleman Center to cover those activities, along with food and beverages. Each year, the carnival games help the student clubs raise funds for their campus- and community-focused activities. Among clubs participating are the Aviation Maintenance Club, BBQ Club, Dental Assisting Club, Hospitality Chefs Student Association, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and the Rad Dragons Radiology Club, among many more. As part of this year’s event, student clubs will compete to collect the most tickets at their booths to win one of three top spots for sponsorship prizes to support their initiatives. Viking Fest sponsors include Steel Dynamics, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Collier, Johnson & Woods, P.C., Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, Pepsi, Rally Credit Union, ReadyFlo Systems, Schneider Electric, SpawGlass, Turner | Ramirez Architects and Valero. Download the 2024 “Viking Fest” flyer to print and share. On Oct. 25, we look forward to seeing you there!
- DMC Board of Regents get “sneak peek,” tour final three capital improvement program projects funded by 2014 bond referendumArticle by Melinda Eddleman Renovation and repurposing––they can give new life to old buildings. On Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents and administrators, along with architects and contractors, toured three buildings on the Heritage Campus to see the transformation they’ve undergone as part of a $157 million bond referendum for capital improvements on the Heritage and Windward campuses. DMC District taxpayers approved that bond in 2014. The three buildings––Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library––represent the final stages of overall renovation and construction projects funded by the bond. Viking Hall, the former Fine Arts Center Music Building, began serving students this past summer and houses programs with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, including the College’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. The Memorial Building, which will house the College’s administrative offices, and White Library will open in January 2025. Capital improvement costs for the three buildings the Board toured today represent a total cost of $62,077,131 or almost 40 percent of the $157 million bond. Total costs for each renovation project include $17,776,059 for the Memorial Building, $12,221,464 for Viking Hall and $28,245,275 for White Library. Besides the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and White Library, other Heritage Campus projects funded by the 2014 bond include the construction of the General Academic and Music Building Phase II (GAMBII) and the renovation of a former bookstore at the corner of Ayers and Edwards streets that now serves as the DMC Police Station. Windward Campus projects include the expansion of the Emerging Technology Building and the construction of the Workforce Development Center. Funds from the 2014 bond were also earmarked to develop a masterplan for the College’s Oso Creek Campus on the southside of Corpus Christi. DMC District taxpayers passed a separate bond referendum to fund that campus in 2016.
- Flour Bluff Junior High School students visit Del Mar College to learn how to make tortillas as part of Hispanic Heritage MonthArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Mmmmm…the smell of fresh, homemade flour tortillas. Can you smell them? On Thursday, Oct. 10, 47 students in the Spanish 1 and 2 classes as well as the advanced class taught by Gabriela Palm at Flour Bluff Junior High School got a chance to learn how to make tortillas while visiting Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus to learn more about taking Spanish classes at the college level. Their visit included participating during one of the College’s scheduled Hispanic Heritage Month events, a “hands-on” cooking demonstration about how to make homemade flour tortillas by Chef Maria Mata, who is also the Coordinator of the College’s Languages Lab, and her assistant. The demonstration was also open to the public. Students and public participants learned about the history, techniques and secrets behind creating the essential staple of Mexican cuisine. The first order of the day for the students was a presentation by Javier Morin, DMC Professor of Spanish, entitled “Presenting Spanish in the Professions and the College Process for Majoring in Spanish.” Morin said he was excited to have the students visit Heritage Campus during Hispanic Heritage Month. “The Languages Program and the Spanish Faculty are absolutely thrilled to welcome these Flour Bluff Junior High School Spanish students to our Del Mar community. It’s another wonderful opportunity to share an experience during Hispanic Heritage Month and build a lasting friendship with Flour Bluff and Mrs. Palm,” Morin says. “It was especially exciting to see her students to learn how to make Mexican tortillas with Señora Mata.”
- Del Mar College moving forward on revitalization of former primary school, facility to be renovated into Workforce Development Center in Aransas CountyArticle by Melinda Eddleman The Rockport-Fulton community will soon see a chain-link fence around the perimeter of what was once the Little Bay Primary School, along with a Del Mar College (DMC) sign indicating that renovations are coming soon. The College is moving forward with repurposing the facility into the Workforce Development Center, which will serve Rockport-Fulton, Aransas County and surrounding communities with higher education and workforce training opportunities that support those economies. While College officials anticipate renovation completion in fall 2025, once done, the 16,016 square-foot center will include classrooms, labs and additional space to house high-demand marketable skills training that builds a sustainable workforce in the Aransas County area. Training strategically targets occupations identified by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend that meet Aransas County’s local and regional needs, including health sciences, public safety/fire, building trades, light industrial/manufacturing, small business and entrepreneurship, makerspace, CAD/drafting, communications and broadcasting, maritime and general education. Courses will be offered not only by the College’s academic programs but also by Continuing Education and Corporate Services, providing students the opportunity to earn Marketable Skills Awards that can articulate into academic credits leading to Level I and II Certificates, Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees and even toward the pursuit of DMC bachelor’s degrees–––the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. DMC and the Rockport-Fulton Independent School District (ISD) have already partnered over the years to provide students with dual enrollment opportunities. When the Workforce Development Center is complete, the school district’s students will have access to more courses and programs, along with technology and hands-on training equipment, to prepare them to become contributing members of the regional workforce and economy. Academic coursework will also provide students the opportunity to complete programs at Del Mar College or transfer credits to area universities. “Our goal is to continue working with Rockport-Fulton ISD to provide programs that support students locally to advance in their College courses,” says Keas. “Overall, the Workforce Development Center will offer skills training and education that’s unique to the region, in demand by employers and focused on today’s economy. Those opportunities will be available to everyone––young adults seeking a career, adults who want to up-skill and re-skill for essential jobs and those who simply want to re-enter the workforce.” Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development and Donor Advising, notes that many community members have given private donations toward the renovation project––over $438,000. The DMC Foundation will offer scholarships once the center opens, and donations toward supporting scholarship funds and renovation work is currently being accepted. To inquire, contact the DMC Office of Development at 361-698-1317 or foundation@delmar.edu. The partnership to establish the Workforce Development Center was initialized by a $1.7 million U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant that was awarded to Aransas County in early 2021. While ownership of the facility would reside with Aransas County, the College was to handle operations, including furnishing equipment and offering core curriculum courses and workforce training programs. The College received ownership of the center from the County this past summer. Efforts are now underway to transform the facility into the Workforce Development Center. Design work has been completed by Turner | Ramirez Architects and construction to remodel the interior is targeted to begin in January 2025.
- Del Mar College’s Center for Access & Advocacy honors 8 employees during 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremonyEight individuals were recognized by students for the profound impact they have had on the lives of students with disabilities during the 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremony at Del Mar College (DMC). Recognition awards were presented by the College’s Center for Access and Advocacy on Oct. 3 in Wolfe Recital Hall on the Heritage Campus. Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, says the ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate faculty and staff members who go above and beyond to help students daily. “These are student-nominated awards – after all, they’re the ones who have received the direct support and who have benefited from it,” Hernandez said. “It’s really great to have a student honor you, so having this ceremony during Disability Awareness Month is a way for us to remember that our faculty and staff are compassionate and really believe in student success.” Dr. Elida Balboa De Leon, DMC Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, says the efforts these advocates make can increase students’ confidence, improve their academic performance and create a greater sense of belonging within the College’s community. “Our advocates are mentors and role models, serving as a source of guidance for our students. They help navigate academic and personal challenges, De Leon said. “Honoring our advocates celebrates their contributions and reinforces the importance of creating a supportive environment for all students.” The selection process begins with students themselves. DMC students nominate a faculty or staff member that has played a major role in referring them to the Center for Access and Advocacy office for services, following up on their progress once services are provided, and working with the student to ensure understanding of the material taught. The event is held every October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Center for Access and Advocacy hosts a month full of activities that highlight and bring disability awareness to students. Advocate of the Year awardees for 2024 are as follows: · Steven Kelm – Basic Construction Safety Program with the Continuing Education Department · Armando Gamez – Carpentry Program with the Continuing Education Department · Albert Curry – Mathematics Department · Darrell Rees – Mathematics Department · Dr. Wissam Atwah – Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Advanced Technology · Christi Hill-Troglin – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program · Linda Lugo – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program · Jim Galvan – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program
- DMC Board of Regents holding tour workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop, which encompasses a capital improvement projects tour for Board members and the news media, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting at the Memorial Building on Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (corner of Ayers St. and Baldwin Blvd.). The tour includes three facilities: the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library. The regular monthly meeting begins at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Online directions and maps for Heritage Campus and the Center for Economic Development are available at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. The regular monthly meeting will be livestreamed. Community members may access the livestream by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of both Agenda Notices and the regular meeting Board Packet are available online as follows: • 9:30 a.m. Workshop: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/bor-workshop-agenda-10-8-2024.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-10-8-24.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. Additionally, the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
