Record Number of Students of Color and Women Flock to College- and Career-Prep Summer Programs
The Minority College Experience (MCE) and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) programs at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, are seeing a record number of high school students participate in these eight-week college- and career-preparation courses. Both programs run through Friday, August 4.
To date, students have participated in a psychology showcase at Penn State Behrend, an interactive leadership institute at Family First Sports Park, and educational career field trips to General Electric, Lord Corporation and Eriez Magnetics.
Still to come, MCE and WISE students will participate in an engineering showcase at Penn State Behrend on Wednesday, July 12, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Erie Zoo on Wednesday, July 19.
“MCE and WISE introduce students to a range of career choices and working environments, in addition to activities that help to improve their academic and leadership skills,” Andy Herrera, director of educational equity and diversity programs, said. “We saw a significant increase in applications this year, making it the programs’ largest class to date.”
More than 35 high school juniors from 11 area high schools, including Collegiate Academy, Corry, East, General McLane, Harborcreek, Mars Area, McDowell, Mercyhurst Prep, North East, Strong Vincent and Villa Maria, are participating in the free MCE and WISE programs this year.
The engineering showcase (July 12) will feature students who, under the guidance of Penn State Behrend’s engineering faculty, will build boats and then race the vessels in the college’s Junker Center pool. Students are expected to utilize common household materials such as plastic, straws and batteries, along with a small motor, to construct the boats. Engineering faculty will discuss weight, balance and the engineering properties required for the small ships to make it one entire length of the pool. The activity begins at 1 p.m. and students are expected to begin racing at about 2:15 p.m.
Students also will be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Erie Zoo (July 19) to explore careers in veterinary science. They will learn about various animals’ diets, how to care for a polar bear, what to feed a lion, the portion sizes for a monkey, and how an animal’s individual personality affects their behavior and a staff member’s interaction with them.
Minority College Experience (MCE) is a college exploration opportunity open to academically talented African American, Asian American, Hispanic or Native American students—male or female—and to students from low-income families. Students enroll in a summer-session course to earn college credit and participate in career introduction field trips, workshops and lectures.
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) encourages female high school students of all backgrounds to explore career opportunities in science, engineering, environmental studies, information technology, and the health professions. WISE students also enroll in a college summer course, earn credit and enjoy special activities outside of the classroom.
Both programs are open to high school juniors with a grade-point average of 2.75 or better and a minimum SAT score of 900 or PSAT score of 90. There is no tuition charge for either MCE or WISE.
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers 31 baccalaureate, five associate, four pre-professional and two graduate degree programs with 21 minors to more than 3,700 students. Focused on providing a student-centered environment, Penn State Behrend is the link that connects its students to a major research and land-grant institution on a campus enriched by more than 90 clubs and organizations, 21 NCAA varsity teams, 19 intramural sports and modern facilities.