Mendenhall Achievement Center
The Mendenhall Summer Institute works closely with the Mendenhall Achievement Center. The Center was established at the University of St. Thomas in 2008 as the result of a gift to the University from Trini Mendenhall Sosa, the former owner of Fiesta Mart, Inc., and a former board member of the University of St. Thomas. The Mendenhall Achievement Center provides a professional support team to assist students in achieving their goals while enrolled at UST. Offices comprising the Center work with each other to provide the most comprehensive approach in assisting students with their needs. The Center is located centrally on the UST campus in Crooker Center.
Mendenhall Summer Institute
The Mendenhall Summer Institute is a 5-week program for a select group of 50 incoming freshmen with proven academic abilities and involvement in co-curricular activities. This program allows these students to start early on their college education, in addition to having an opportunity to earn a grant for tuition at UST.
The Curriculum
The Mendenhall Summer Institute, in its fifth year, will have two separate tracks of study. The first track is a College Bridge program consisting of English and mathematics. The second track is a STEM program, specifically focused on mathematics and scientific methods, and designed for science, mathematics or engineering majors.
College Credit: Each track consists of 6 hours of college credit at UST.
Grants Awarded: A limited number of students are selected each year to receive a $2,000 annual grant towards UST tuition. Students are selected by faculty based on their performance in the Summer Institute as well as demonstrated financial need. Students must fill out a FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov to become eligible for the grant.
Support Outside the Classroom. Students will also have opportunities to participate in social activities, receive individualized tutoring and improve their information literacy skills through library and computer instruction.
Who is Eligible
Only students who are admitted to the University for the fall as incoming freshmen are eligible for the Summer Institute. Any incoming student can apply by filling out a Mendenhall Summer Institute Application. Ideal candidates will:
- Meet minimum admission criteria which includes: A combined Math and Critical Reading SAT score of 1070 with at least a 460 each in both the Math and Critical Reading sections or an ACT composite score of 23 or higher, with a minimum score of 19 on each Math and English, a high school GPA of 2.8, and a ranking in the top 50% of high school class.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the Mendenhall Summer Institute application form.
What You Need to Know
Costs: A nominal student fee of $750 for the Mendenhall Summer Institute covers course instruction, testing materials and community meals. Some limited financial aid is available to offset the cost of the program. Books, parking and optional housing are available at additional costs.
Important Dates:
- Program Dates: July 5, 2012 – August 8, 2012.
- Residence Hall Checkout: August 9, 2012
- Application review begins Feb. 1, 2012
Contact:
Office of Admissions
713-525-3500
admissions@stthom.edu |
