Texas Border Business
The Laredo College Leadership, Excellence and Academic Preparation in STEM (LEAPS) Summer Bridge Program provided 55 incoming Laredo College freshmen who participated an array of hands-on, full-filled STEM activities.
Established in 2016 after the college received a $6 million grant from the United States Department of Education, the LEAPS Program is designed to help students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields overcome various academic and financial barriers. The program provides students with paid summer programs, one-to-one advising, tutoring services, scholarships, internships and paid undergraduate research opportunities.
One of the most popular parts of LEAPS includes this two-week summer program, focused on different aspects of STEM such as science activities in biology, chemistry experiments, technology sessions including drones, engineering projects and math sessions led by Laredo College faculty. Another fun activity is a campus-wide scavenger hunt to help students learn their way around the Ft. McIntosh Campus and the different services offered by college departments.
The summer program allows incoming students to experience different STEM fields before beginning their first year at the college. For some students, it also serves as a reassurance that their field of study is right for them, and others find new interests through the different projects and activities they participate in throughout the two weeks. The program offered an excellent opportunity to start networking with other students interested in the same fields.
“We are extremely excited to welcome back students to campus,” LEAPS Project Director Rosemary Aguero-Riojas said. “We are thrilled to interact with them and provide them with an opportunity to make new friends and see what our campus, staff and faculty have to offer.”
Undergraduate research is a significant component of the LEAPS Program, as it allows Laredo College students to learn how to conduct STEM and college-level research. The personalized advising also helps students stay on track when it comes to earning their STEM degree in a timely manner and seamlessly transferring to a four-year institution.
