High school students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades who are interested in science and math are invited to attend the Early Development of General Engineering (EDGE) summer program at San Antonio College. Applications are being accepted now through March 14.  The eight-week program is scheduled for June 9 - July 31, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.­4 p.m. at SAC.  A Parent Orientation meeting is scheduled for June 5.  Details are online at www.accd.edu/sac/edge <http://www.accd.edu/sac/edge> , or call (210) 785-6249.
 
"The EDGE Program is a bridge between high school and the college freshman year for students interested in science and engineering, and it costs only $25," said Dr. Dan G. Dimitriu, Engineering Coordinator and EDGE Program Director.  "The U.S. needs more professional scientists and engineers, and with this program we aim to meet that call."
 
Reports point to the need for the United States to produce more engineers in order for the nation to remain leaders in the global economy.  A Duke University Study, reported in the Christian Science Monitor in 2005, is the most optimistic.  It shows that the U.S. exceeds India in Bachelor¹s degrees awarded in engineering but not in Associate degrees, and it lags behind China in both categories:  Bachelor's degrees granted (U.S. 137,437, India 112,000, and China 351,537), Associate degrees granted (U.S. 84,898, India 103,000 and China 292,569).
 
In response, San Antonio College seeks to inspire the next generation of college students with the EDGE program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the ACCD Foundation.
            
To be accepted, students must meet early-college admission requirements and demonstrate academic readiness for college level work by taking a placement test.
           
Students in the program will be enrolled in college-level Introduction to Engineering and lab-enhanced Introductory Physics, both of which are included in or prerequisites to degree plans at San Antonio College and in articulation agreements with local universities. Students who successfully complete the coursework will earn five credit hours that can be applied toward an Associate degree from San Antonio College and transferred toward a Bachelor's degree.  Some school districts grant IPC and/or Physics credit for passing the Introductory Physics course.
           
Activities include classes, study sessions, enrichment activities, a daily lunch period, work with leader/mentors, homework assistance, and a learning community atmosphere to encourage success.  Workshop topics include Test Taking Tips, Reading a Textbook, Study Techniques, and Engineering.  In addition, there will be guest lecturers, field trips, and self-paced computer-assisted exercises in math.
           
Once accepted, participants pay a non-refundable admission fee of $25 fee to cover supply costs.  Books are provided but must be returned at program end. The program pays for tuition and fees; however, students are responsible for
their own transportation.   Some assistance for transportation to and from
the college may be available in the form of passes for reduced VIA bus fare.
           

For more information, contact the Engineering and Physics Department at 210-785-6249, Dr. Dan G. Dimitriu at 210-785-6049 or ddimitri@accd.edu, or visit http://www.accd.edu/SAC/edge.