DOE grant encourages minorities to study math and science

On Sept 2, Texas A&M International University received a $229,997 grant from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at under-represented ethnic minorities, both men and women. The grant is intended to support students who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).The grant supports a three-year project under the Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program. Junior and senior students will be working with Dr. Julio Madrigal, Director of Special Programs, along with other staff on the weekends and during summer. “We’re going to bring in people to talk to them about post-secondary education in the STEM field. We’re going to have training for them in these subjects, including a program in robotics. We will work together with the system engineering program here at TAMIU,” said Madrigal.Madrigal explained that he applied for the DOE grant because there is a tremendous drive to produce more engineers, scientists, and mathematicians.”Our country had a big search back in the late 50s in the era of Sputnik,” says Madrigal. “We were just entering the era of computation. If you look at that, that’s about 50 years ago. So someone who was 24 back then that graduated from college is now 62 and part of what we call Baby Boomers. Those people are getting ready to retire, and we have a shortage of who is going into those fields. The question is who is going to take their place.”Other than the Hispanic population, this program is also aiming to attract more males. Out of every ten students, six are females, and that’s only during the first year of college. “There is a large number of females that are going into post-secondary education, but many aren’t going into math, science, engineering, or technology. So what we are trying to do is attract under-represented groups including women and men because men are being under-represented. More women are going to college.”So far, the university has identified as many as 50-60 students but will only invite 30 each year: 15 from Laredo Independent School District and 15 from United Independent School District. The program will prepare and motivate students who have the drive for these careers. They will also be taught about financial aid, education opportunities, scholarships, admission policies, and test taking. By the time they reach TAMIU or any other university, they will have been molded into informed, capable students.