LaPrep (Louisiana Preparatory Program) recently completed its seventeenth annual summer session on the campus of LSU in Shreveport. 28 students attended the summer program as returning second-year participants. All of the participants were identified as high-ability middle school or beginning high school students: 92% were minority students and 46% were female.

The goal of LaPREP is to identify, encourage and instruct competent middle and early high school students, with special attention to include women and minority students who, as a result of the program, will successfully complete a college program preferably in math, science or engineering. 73% of this year’s participants are from families at middle or lower income levels, and 54% are at lower-middle income levels or below. LaPREP charges no fees or tuition of any kind and the program provides lunches and transportation via SPORTRAN bus passes. The objective of LaPREP includes the development of abstract reasoning, problem solving and writing skills. The academic components include Logic, Algebraic Structures, Discrete Math, Financial Independence for Life (Finance Math), Problem Solving, Engineering, ACT Preparation, Technical Writing and Anger Management and Coping Skills. Several engineers, scientists and mathematicians, including many minority professionals, discuss career opportunities with participants. Other aspects include college and career awareness, a study skills seminar, and field trips to local businesses and industries.

The program has been very successful in identifying high-ability middle school students and encouraging and educating them. Evaluations contributed by the participants, their parents, and by local and state officials who have visited LaPREP have been very high. Some of their comments are included with this report. No current or former participant has dropped out of high school and approximately 86% of exiting participants have indicated that LaPREP has improved their confidence and their desire to study math and science. Through the surveys and tracking records, it is thought that of the first 262 graduates of LaPREP who have become eligible, all have enrolled in college. (A few graduates have moved and are unable to be contacted.)

Results of the 2008 End of the Year Survey show that 88% of the participants had sharpened their college and career goals as a result of the program. In addition, 88% said that the first year of LaPREP had greatly benefited them during the following school year, 96% of them indicated that they have given much thought to or have a definite plan for college, 96% reported improvement in problem solving skills, 92% reported increased confidence in math and science, and 100% cited greater knowledge about math and science professions.

Every LaPREP graduate is eligible to receive a LaPREP Scholarship to LSU in Shreveport for entering freshmen, in the amount of $500 a semester which is matched with another $500 per semester scholarship from the University. These four year awards are in addition to any level of TOPS award that a student receives from the state of Louisiana.

Some of the local, regional, and national awards and honors received by LaPREP and its director, Dr. Spaht, include the following:

1993

Shreveport City Council passed a resolution acclaiming LaPREP “for making a positive impact on the lives of young people contributing to the future prosperity of the community and the nation.”

1995

Dr. Spaht was awarded an Outstanding Performance Award by the Shreveport City Council.

1996

Dr. Spaht was awarded an Outstanding Teaching/Service Award by the Mathematical Association of America.

The Mathematical Association of America passed a resolution praising LaPREP for its contribution to mathematics in Louisiana.

1997

Dr. Spaht was awarded The Louisiana/Mississippi Distinguished University Teaching Award in Recognition of Extraordinarily Successful Teaching by the Mathematical Association of America.

Dr. Spaht was selected The Louisiana Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation.

Dr. Spaht was awarded the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

1998

Dr. Spaht was presented with The Jefferson Award, a local award for outstanding contribution to public service and The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award, the highest national award given for public service.

In conjunction with the Jefferson and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Awards, a documentary video about LaPREP was aired nationally via the American Broadcasting Company.

2000

Dr. Spaht received The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

2001

AEP-SWEPCO created $100,000 AEP SWEPCO LaPREP Endowed Professorship, from which LaPREP receives the accrued annual interest.

2007

Dr. Spaht was named the 2007 U. S. Professor of the Year, by the Carnegie Foundation and CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education).

The Louisiana State Legislature budgeted LaPREP $20,000 for 2007-08 fiscal year.

2008

AEP Foundation made a commitment to donate a total of $600,000 to be matched by $400,000 from the State of Louisiana to create a $1,000,000 AEP Foundation Endowed Distinguished LaPREP Chair.

Louisiana State Legislature allocated $200,000 for an expansion of LaPREP and the creation of a pre-LaPREP program.

This is a pivotal year for LaPREP, as we have received funding to support the growth and expansion of the program. With the leadership of Senator Sherri Cheek-Smith, the Louisiana State Legislature has, for the second year in a row, included monies for LaPREP in the state budget. This year’s increased support provides some funds for LaPREP 2009 at LSUS, but most of this money will be spent on the creation of a “pre-LaPREP” program for 5th and 6th graders in areas of special need, and to further develop and edit curricula, publish and package teaching materials, and guide the administration of LaPREP programs onto other campuses in the state.These two big projects will greatly increase the number of young people served by LaPREP across our community and the state.

The AEP Foundation has provided the only funding for LaPREP in perpetuity with the AEP LaPREP Endowed $1,000,000 Chair. LaPREP will receive the interest from this investment, but it will be several years before the endowment is completed (and matched with funds from the state), and any interest accrues.

Growing LaPREP is both exciting and challenging. Involving more smart young people of our state and providing them with the benefits of these LaPREP programs is a dream about to come true. These donations can make it possible but LaPREP continues to need financial support from our friends to run the 2009 summer program.