Community Services Programs
The Institute for Economic Development (IED) includes 11 interrelated programs and centers focused on enhancing and promoting the economic development of the region. This is done through management assistance, training and technical assistance to communities, manufacturing firms, small businesses and local governments. In addition to the San Antonio-based programs and centers, there are 11 satellite centers located throughout the southwest Texas/border area focusing specifically on small business development. Satellite centers are located in El Paso, Austin, Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Rio Grande Valley and other communities.
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) identifies achieving middle and high school students with an interest in mathematics, science, engineering and technology, and establishes the foundation for careers in these and other mathematics-related areas. Founded at UTSA in 1979, the eight-week, mathematics-based academic program is held each summer at nine local colleges and universities. Designed for students in grades 6–11, PREP promotes high achievement and provides students with the necessary reinforcement to successfully pursue higher education and careers in math, science, engineering and technology. With a focus on building a high quality and diverse 21st-century workforce, women and members of minority groups—traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering—serve as special target groups. For the local PREP office see the TexPREP link.
Office of P-20 Initiatives The University of Texas at San Antonio established the Alliance for Education in 1990 in response to the city of San Antonio's Target '90 agenda. The focus of this effort was to increase the educational attainment of the local workforce, specifically those from underserved and underrepresented populations. The Alliance for Education administered two programs with a full-time permanent staff of two professional members. Today, this department is now known as the Office of P-20 Initiatives with its focus geared to increase access via partnerships and collaborations with schools, business and industry and community-based organizations and foundations to strengthen the quality of education in San Antonio and South Texas from kindergarten to college. The Office of P-20 Initiatives coordinates, facilitates, and implements over 20 outreach programs serving over 20,000 students, parents and educational professionals in South Texas, with an annual operating budget exceeding $3 million. As a comprehensive university and system-wide effort, the Office of P-20 Initiatives seeks to provide leadership in education reform and facilitate university involvement in public education through intervention programs, research and service.
The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) was established in November 1999 to increase UTSA’s visibility in targeted communities in South Texas and to foster appropriate, mutually beneficial partnerships with these communities. The OCO works with educational, business and civic leaders in communities served by UTSA to promote higher education as an economic development resource. The OCO in concert with community leaders addresses barriers that inhibit or prevent area residents from enrolling at UTSA. Special events bring community leaders to UTSA and take UTSA executive officers into South Texas communities. The OCO works closely with the Admissions Office as well as other university offices in supporting student recruitment efforts.
The Office of Extended Education serves the region’s adult, professional and continuing education needs through a range of targeted programs that match the university’s unique resources with the lifelong learning needs of the region. Operating out of the UTSA Downtown Campus, the Office of Extended Education works collaboratively with academic and nonacademic units of the university to develop and present seminars, online courses, conferences and programs for the general public, professional and governmental agencies, and businesses. The UTSA Extended Education Web page provides information on seminars, online courses, conferences and programs that are open to the university and local communities. The Office of Extended Education also provides specialized training to organizations needing customized training programs for their employees
The Downtown Special Events Office is responsible for scheduling, coordinating and managing special events at the Downtown Campus. The Downtown Campus has clearly become the venue of choice for university organizations as well as many community organizations, and the office operates as a “one-stop shopping” experience for on- and off-campus users of university facilities. The office manages cash handling, logistical operations and designs, implements control systems for managing various resources needed for events and provides logistical support for Extended Education.
Institute of Texan Cultures is the state’s museum dedicated to enhancing the understanding of cultural history and its influence on the people of Texas. The Institute’s mission is accomplished through an expansive exhibit floor, a document and photo library, an extensive outreach program to Texas schools, and specialized and periodic major exhibits. The Institute also serves special educational programs of the university.
UTSA Mexico Center fosters academic, research, cultural and programmatic exchanges with universities and organizations in Mexico, engaging students, faculty and staff, and promoting a better understanding of Mexico and its relationship to the United States. The UTSA Mexico Center provides a forum for communication between policy makers, scholars, business representatives and professionals from the United States and Mexico to bring about mutual understanding and productive relationships.
The Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute is the administrative host for research and programs from across colleges and disciplines united in their research interests in child and adolescent development.