GISD, L-3 team up for 'Prepping for Success'
October 23, 2003     Greenville Herald Banner

By Brad Kellar/Herald-Banner Staff

It would seem to be a simple equation.  What happens when you combine the local public education system and the area's largest employer in a program aimed at strengthening math and science education?

You get "Prepping for Success", a major cooperative effort between the Greenville Independent School District and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems.

Representatives with the school district and the company gathered with city officials inside a science lab at Greenville High School Wednesday morning to announce the partnership, which will establish an after-school program to build student interest in math and science and better prepare them for the Math and Science TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test.

Prepping for Success will initially target Grade 11 students and will begin next week, with activities increasing later in the Spring as TAKS time approaces.

L-3 will work actively with the Greenville ISD to bring engineers in the classroom, allow program participants to visit the L-3 facility, and provide math and science tutoring after school.

Greenville ISD Superintendent William Smith said the he and the district were elated at the opportunity to offer the program.

"I almost shiver when I get in a crowd like this and see the cooperation of these partnerships with our community," Smith said.  "It means so much to us, because we are here to serve the community."

Bob Drewes, President of L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, said the program is a win/win situation for both sides.

"It is a perfect mach of our skills and our great interests and commitment with the needs of the community, so I think we'll both do well," Drewes said.  "It is very, very important."

Prepping for Success will be staffed by high school math and science teachers and includes transportation, food and incentives for students in the program, which will be funded by a $29,000 grant from L-3 Communications Integrated Systems to the Greenville Educational Enrichment Foundation.

The program has targeted approximately 100 students through a variety of factors - previous TAKS scores, previous class performance and classroom teacher recommendations - and will use 10 teachers, a program coordinator and a clerical staffer.