Math Educational Resources Integrated with Technology and Science

MERITS is a special program for high school students integrating math, science, and technology. The program was developed because of projected job market demands for a higher level of proficiency in these fields. With its unique benefits, MERITS stands alone from any other math, science, or technology program in Orange County.

Students receive a rigorous and focused curriculum that prepares them for technical fields of employment and encourages them to pursue higher education. The program includes opportunities to enroll in college or university classes while in high school and/or to receive advanced placement standing upon enrollment in a college or university. Their career exploration has focus on the critical technologies identified by corporate leaders. Tutoring and summer enrichment experiences will be offered through the program.

The students enrolled in the MERITS Program have university or corporate mentors and apprenticeships in grades eleven and twelve. Business professionals and college professors help guide student training. Additionally, all students participate in a developmental career education program to prepare a career portfolio containing copies of their most exemplary work, a resume, employability ratings, and letters of recommendation from their faculty and/or business partners.

The MERITS Program is divided into two major program strands:

• an advanced math/science strand with an emphasis on math and advanced sciences, computer science, or engineering.
• an applied technology strand with a concentration in computer assisted drafting, digital electronics, transportation careers, and environmental technology.

One example illustrating a beneficial business partnership is that students are able to work with engineers at corporations such as FLUOR Daniel, Inc., and Rockwell in the areas of CAD drafting and electrical technology.

Other business partners include, GTE, Discovery Science Center, McDonnell Douglas and Future Scientists and Engineers of America. Educational partnerships include UCI, UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona and Goldenwest Community College. Community liaisons are the Westminster Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Department of Education.