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Pre-First year Science and Engineering
"The friends that I've made and skills that I learned during my PREF summer have stayed with me throughout my college career. PREF was not only my introduction to Penn State University, but also my introduction to the world of Engineering and Professionalism."
Steve Horna, PREF participant, Pref Program Asst.
Architectural Engineering Graduate
Pre-First Year Science and Engineering (PREF) (June 22 - August 2, 2013)
VIEW | PREF | ASE | MEPO
Frequent Questions: When is the Application Deadline?
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PREF 2010 Student Participants |
PREF is a summer bridge program specially designed for entering first year students in an engineering or science based major at Penn State. Preparatory courses for first year calculus, physics, chemistry and english are offered, along with a time management and study skills course to ensure academic success. Experienced engineering and science University faculty will be the program instructors. PREF will also have structured social and cultural activities. The overall objective of PREF is to maximize the retention of freshmen in engineering and science majors at Penn State.
Participants are chosen based on the following criteria (including but not limited to); high school credentials, SAT/ACT scores, and FTCAP placement. Applications will be available by invitation only.
After 18 successful years of the PREF program, we have become aware of the specific benefits that the program can bring to our students. Research indicates that participants:
• Have a higher GPA than non-participants
• Are more likely to graduate from the PSU College of Engineering or Science
• Are more likely to land competitive-salary internships, co-ops and full-time employment
• Win amazing academic scholarships
• Build an extensive network of lifelong friends
• Acclimate more easily to the college environment
• Transition from high school to college before all other first year students
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When & Where is PREF?
The PREF program will be held at The Penn State University Park Campus located in the town of State College, Pennsylvania. PREF will take place during the six week summer session, occuring late June - early August. Participants in the PREF program will be housed in student residence halls on the University Park Campus.
The cost of the program is $500, this includes room and board, field trips, staff and faculty salaries and professional development. This is only one-tenth the cost of the program, with the remaining expenses covered through corporate sponsorships. If you are unable to pay the entirety of the fee, please include a statement of financial need, a copy of your FAFSA and the amount you are able to contribute along with your application.
Group-Study will be incorporated into the technical courses, and enrichment programs and field trips will enhance the in-class experiences.
• Introduction to College Calculus Preview
• Introduction to College Chemistry
• Introduction to College Physics
• Introducation to College English
• Professional Development
• College Survival Skills
Application Deadline: May 8th 2013
PREF would like to thank the following companies for their investment in the next generation of engineers:
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
Manufacturer of industrial gases and specialty chemicals
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services.
Alcoa
Primary aluminum and fabricated aluminum products
In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years.
Boeing
Forever new frontiers
Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing operates the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.
Shell Oil Company
You can be sure of Shell
Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. Our headquarters are in The Hague, the Netherlands, and our Chief Executive Officer is Peter Voser. The parent company of the Shell group is Royal Dutch Shell plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales.
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Taking on the world's toughest energy challenges
We are the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, providing energy that helps underpin growing economies and improve living standards around the world.
Ametek Foundation
Leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annual sales of $2.5 billion. The Company has approximately 11,000 colleagues working at more than 80 manufacturing facilities and more than 80 sales and service centers in the United States and around the world.
Chevron Corporation
The power of human energy
Chevron is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., we conduct business worldwide. We are engaged in every aspect of the crude oil and natural gas industry, including exploration and production, manufacturing, marketing and transportation, chemicals manufacturing and sales, geothermal energy, and power generation. We're also investing in renewables and advanced technologies.
PPG Industries
Growth leadership innovation
PPG Industries is a leader in its markets; is a streamlined, efficient manufacturer; and operates on the leading edge of new technologies and solutions. It is our vision to continue being the world’s leading coatings and specialty products and services company, serving customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. PPG has manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 60 countries around the globe.
MEP Endowment
Excelling multicultural & women students in engineering.
The Office of Engineering Diversity is here to assist women and multicultural students in the pursuit of their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Penn State Office of the Vice Provost for Education Equity
Diversity is an integral part of the University's strategic planning
Beyond the University, in targeted high schools and counties, the office helps low-income youth and adults to overcome the social, cultural, and educational barriers to success in higher education. Within the University, the office supports and evaluates the many diversity initiatives and serves as an advocate for a range of populations. These include historically underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities; persons with disabilities; persons from low-income families who would be the first generation to college; veterans; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons; and women.
Lockheed Martin
We never forget who we're working for
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Merck
Be well
Our products cover a broad range of areas, including heart and respiratory health, infectious diseases, sun care and women’s health. And we focus our research on conditions that affect millions of people around the world – diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer – while building strengths in new areas like biologics.
Penn State College of Engineering
Penn State is a multicampus public research university that educates students from Pennsylvania, the nation and the world, and improves the well being and health of individuals and communities through integrated programs of teaching, research, and service.
Our instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education offered through both resident instruction and online delivery. Our educational programs are enriched by the cutting edge knowledge, diversity, and creativity of our faculty, students, and staff.
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is a world leader in earth, materials, and energy sciences and engineering. As such, we create, integrate, and transform fundamental understanding of earth, material, and energy processes and how humans interact with them.