Our offices will be closed March 23-July 31. However, staff will be available remotely. Please contact us at PREP@UTSA.edu
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) is an academically rigorous mathematics-based summer enrichment program conducted at several college and university campuses in San Antonio, as well as, across the State of Texas and Nation.
PREP identifies middle and high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and helps prepare those students for advanced studies and careers in those fields by providing a challenging academic program that emphasizes abstract reasoning and problem solving, and exposes participants to careers through speakers and field trips.
PREP Alternative Summer 2020
PREP Alternative Summer 2020
PREP is offering an abridged version of its traditional program for summer 2020. Curriculum will focus on Logic and its application to Mathematics, Introduction to Engineering, and topics in problem solving. Materials and activities as well as opportunities to engage with instructors will be available on-line. Printed materials will be available to those without computer/internet access through registration.
Submit your information to be notified about PREP 2021 or later dates. Submit Information Now
PREP Sites
→ San Antonio PREP Sites
Year 1 PREP
UTSA (Downtown Campus)
Northeast Lakeview College
Northwest Vista College
San Antonio College
Year 2 PREP
San Antonio College
Year 3 PREP
St. Mary’s University
Year 4 PREP
UTSA (Main Campus)
Prep History
The program started in 1979 by a UTSA mathematics professor, Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal. Today, in 2019, PREP exists at 33 sites in 25 cities and 7 states. PREP has served over 50,000 students in the State of Texas during the past 40 years.
PREP Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Students from all school districts within the Greater San Antonio Area that meet the requirements outlined below are encouraged to apply.
→ How many nomination forms are required for the Year 1 application?
Two (2) nomination forms are required, one from a math teacher and a second from either an English teacher, science teacher, or counselor. Years 2, 3, and 4 do not require nominations.
Year 1 application requires a 100-200 word essay on Why I Want to Participate in PREP. Years 2, 3, and 4 do not require an essay.
→ Can a progress report be submitted?
No, the most recent report card (6 to 9 week term) with numerical grades is required. Report card must include information on conduct and if courses are Honors or Pre-AP/AP, if applicable.
The following will not be accepted and will make the application incomplete:
no hand-written
no web-based (parent portal print-outs)
no progress reports or reports that state “Progress” on any part of the report card
no transcripts
no letter grades
→ Can a second report card be uploaded?
No, new/updated grades cannot be resubmitted.
→ Are conduct grades required?
Yes, conduct grades are required, if not included on the report card, request a Conduct Letter from school counselor. Download a Sample Conduct Letter.
→ How will I receive notice of acceptance?
Notices will be emailed mid-March through April.
→ Is there a fee?
Yes, $500 tuition, paid if student meets the requirements and is accepted into the program. Notification will be emailed by mid-March with payment instructions. No tuition is charged to students from sponsoring school districts. Please verify with school counselor to confirm support.
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UPREP
The University Prefreshman Engineering Program offers college credit at UTSA to students who have successfully completed a minimum of PREP Year 3, meet the grade requirement of 90 or above in Math, Science, and English during the most recent grading period (not cumulative), and are at least in their sophomore year in high school. Students will take college-level courses and participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities designed to complement their coursework and interest in STEM fields.
Courses tentatively offered:
Algebra – Scientists & Engineers
Biosciences I
Calculus I
Introduction to Computer Programming I
Algebra-based Physics
Pre-calculus
General Chemistry
2020 UPREP applications are due January 31. Contact Kristy.Pacheco@utsa.edu with any questions
Lunar Caves Analog Test Sites
LCATS Program
The Lunar Caves Analog Test Sites (LCATS) program utilizes science investigations, space exploration mission operations, technology development, and habitability system architectures for Space-STEM learning performance within a program environment.
This engages a pipeline of motivated middle and high school students from the San Antonio Prefreshman Engineering Program (SA PREP) to assist aerospace professionals solve real-world space exploration technology development challenges.
International collaborating organizations from South Korea and Italy
LCATS goals include preparing and encouraging underrepresented minorities, female and economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education and careers in human space exploration. The LCATS project works within the framework of an actual international commercial lunar site development program, known as LEAP2 (for Lunar Ecosystem and Architectural Prototype), which is developing technologies for exploration and development of a specific lunar site known as the Marius Hills Skylight believed to be the entrance to lunar lava tube cave.
Project components include Middle and High School student workshops and field experiences extending over a four year period with annual simulated missions related to lunar exploration and habitation focusing on lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU).
Summer Career Awareness Speakers
Seeking professionals with a math, science, engineering, or technology background to discuss professional career opportunities, experiences in the field, and/or conduct special technical presentations with our students.
