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U.S. EPA & Shaw University Research Apprenticeship Program
The Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) began in 1990 as a collaborative effort between EPA's Office of Research and Development in Research Triangle Park, NC, and Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. The program addresses the under representation of minorites in the fields of science and engineering.
The RAP encourages participating high school students to pursue advanced degrees in math, science and engineering by:
- Enriching the scientific and mathematic concepts that students study in the classroom
- Providing the oppurtunity to interact with scientists
- Developing effective scientific research and technical skills
- Enhancing students' motivation, self-confidence, and desire to achieve
Program Successes
- As of June, 116 students have successfully completed the 4-year program.
- 100% of the Program graduates attended college and , of those students, 62% have or are majoring in a field of study related to science and math.
- 57% of the students who went to college went on to graduate or professional school.
In addition, the extra support provided by the Program in the sciences has also helped many of the students to receive either full or partial scholarships for their undergraduate and graduate studies.