K-12 and Pre-College Programs

The School of Engineering is engaged in a variety of programs to encourage interest and participation in science, technology, engineering, and math. These activities are designed for students ranging from the very youngest learners to those preparing to enter college.

Engineering Student Services

Most of these programs are coordinated through Engineering Student Services (ESS), a department within the UNM School of Engineering. Engineering Student Services K-12 programs include:

• making presentations for elementary, middle and high school students
• helping with science fairs
• attending high school college fairs
• coordinating the School of Engineering's annual open house
• participating in national and regional conferences for engineering organizations

ESS also coordinates two residential programs for incoming freshmen:

• The annual Freshmen Summer Bridge Program is an intensive four-week summer residential program for incoming freshmen in Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Participants undertake an intensive study of math, English composition, and computer science in preparation for college level work. Students successfully completing the program receive a generous stipend and college credit.
• The Summer Transportation Institute (STI) is an intensive four-week summer residential program developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The curriculum focuses on the major modes of transportation in our region; land transportation, air transportation and transportation safety. The archeological uniqueness of the Southwest is highlighted as an important component in ancient transport and trade routes. The program is free of charge.

To learn about Engineering Students Services, including advisement, summer programs, or upcoming recruitment activities, please contact Steve Peralta, Director of Engineering Student Services: 505-277-1417; speralta@unm.edu.

CBME PREM

UNM partners with Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and Harvard University on the Partnership for Research and Education in Biomaterials (PREM), a 5-year, $2.5 million effort intended to increase the participation of minorities and females in materials science-related careers, and to stimulate general interest in science and technology.

The PREM is a cornerstone of UNM's Center for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), which fosters interdisciplinary research, including biomaterials science and engineering.

UNM students participating in PREM research help with outreach programs that introduce elementary, middle, and high schools students to the basic principals of bioengineering and materials science. Each age group works with a different kit presented to the class by a university student or faculty member. High school students learn about medical implants and middle school students study polymers. Elementary school students study prosthetics by creating a finger with materials from a kit containing paperclips, straws, rubber bands, and more. To learn about the CBME PREM, including research or outreach activities, please contact Isela Roeder, CBME Program Manager: 505-277-6395; iroeder@unm.edu.