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NMSU accepting applications for NM PREP Academy

  • By Tiffany Acosta
  • 575-646-3929
  • tfrank@nmsu.edu 
  • May 06, 2022
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Since 2016, the Office of Outreach and Recruiting in New Mexico State University’s College of Engineering has hosted the NM PREP Middle School Academy and NM PREP High School Academy, a hands-on, engineering summer program. The in-person program returns this summer at the Las Cruces campus with the addition of a program near the San Ildefonso Pueblo in northern New Mexico, and a virtual option also is available.

NM PREP is for middle school students entering 6th through 8th grades and high school students entering 9th through 12th grades. Applications are due May 20. For more information and to register, visit https://engrnm.nmsu.edu/stem-connection/.

“This summer, we are excited to welcome back local students to an in-person learning experience, in the Las Cruces area and near the San Ildefonso Pueblo in northern New Mexico, in addition to providing our self-paced virtual program,” said Clara Welles, STEM program manager. “NM PREP Academy and Virtual have been designed to spark student interest in STEM, specifically in engineering, by offering hands-on activities that simulate real-world engineering experiences.

NM PREP High School Intro will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 6 to 17 and is open to any high school student in the Las Cruces area or near the San Ildefonso Pueblo, who has not previously participated in PREP. Students have the opportunity to explore the fields of engineering and introductory engineering concepts through real-world projects. There is no cost to apply, and project materials, snacks and lunch will be provided. In-person attendance is mandatory.

NM PREP Academy High School will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. June 6 to July 24 and is open to any high school student in the Las Cruces area, who has participated in NM PREP or another STEM program. Students will build on their foundational knowledge, and practice the skills necessary to be successful engineers through real-world projects with a chance explore to the engineering design process, applied use of engineering software, advanced manufacturing using 3D printers and much more. There is no cost to apply, and project materials, snacks and lunch will be provided. In-person attendance is mandatory.

NM PREP Academy Middle School will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11 to15 and is open to any middle school student in the Las Cruces area. Students will explore real-world engineering programs through inquiry and hands-on learning. There is no cost to apply, and project materials, snacks and lunch will be provided. In-person attendance is mandatory.

NM PREP Virtual, is a fully self-paced program open June 6 to July 15 and is open to any middle school or high school student who wants to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun hands-on way and at their own pace. There is no cost to apply, however, project materials may be purchased online for about $100.

“These middle and high school programs will incorporate hand-on projects with in-depth lessons that will dive deep into engineering concepts and disciplines,” Welles said. “With access to the instructor and PREP undergraduate student mentors, any student has the opportunity to successfully complete these programs. Students who participate in PREP benefit from in-person classes, group projects and plenty of fun, in a fast-paced program. Virtual students benefit from a self-paced program open the entire summer for them to explore on their own time and still be able to enjoy their summer off.”