Pre-College Minority Engineering Program (PC-MEP)

LATEST NEWS

Pre-College Minority Engineering Program (PC-MEP) is an educational program that introduces students to the latest innovations by encouraging them to explore, design and build technology-based projects. PC-MEP has been around for almost 7 years and, as an award-winning program, it is something Unity Care is very proud of.

Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, we will not be able to offer the program this summer. We hope to renew it next summer.

Background

The high-tech industry offers a wealth of opportunity, especially in the Bay Area, and Unity Care recognizes the lack of representation of minorities in engineering and managerial positions. The first step in addressing this problem is to educate young people and encourage them to pursue careers in computer science and engineering.

To that end, Unity Care has developed the Pre-College Minority Engineering Program.

PC-MEP, which runs throughout the year, creates an opportunity for young people in middle and high school to experience math and science based careers. The program is hosted by the San Jose State University Engineering Department during the summer months and by local middle and high schools during the school year.

Using a hands-on approach, the PC-MEP curriculum introduces students to the latest technologies by encouraging them to explore, design and build technology-based projects.

Each week the class researches and learns about a different technology including semiconductor manufacturing, computer networking, software development, and even digital video production.

The classes include in-depth workshops conducted by guest engineers from Cisco Systems, Applied Materials, Hewlett-Packard and several other technology companies. During the summer the students take a weekly field trip on the job with the guest engineers to see real products designed and manufactured.

PC-MEP strives to use the best possible curriculum to provide minority students with a window into the world of technology.

Curriculum Highlights

Four Multi-disciplinary Engineering Projects:

• Mechanical – robotics
• Electrical – voltage and currents
• Civil – bridge construction
• Chemical – viscosity & material density



• Conceptual Math
• Computer Applications
• Basic Electronics
• Days on the Job

Overall Benefits

• Improved problem solving and thinking skills
• Heightened self-esteem
• Increased confidence in math and science
• Positive attitude toward careers in engineering and computer science
• Improved oral and written communication skills

See the video of the News story: 65 minority students graduate from PC-MEP (select Windows Media Player or Real Player)