A Vocational Training Program
Giving Youth A Dynamic Future
in the
Engineering and Science Professions
Our Commitment
The U.S. Small Business
Administration's HUBZone
program is designed to
revitalize communities by
increasing employment
opportunities and investment in
distressed and historically
underutilized areas around the
country. GeoControl Systems,
Inc. (GCS) is committed both
financially and morally to the
amelioration of the social and
financial conditions of these
neglected inner-city
communities and residents.
In the greater Houston area, there are too few
individuals with engineering and science
backgrounds relative to the demand for these
skills. Among the major metropolitan areas in
our country, Houston is not alone in this
regard. Recently, officials in Houston
representing both the energy and aerospace
industries have brought attention to this
shortage. We submit that there is a definite
need to cultivate in our youth an interest in
math and science studies, and reverse the
trend of declining student enrollment in math
and science coursework at the college level.
“Launch” is an educational outreach and work
study program offered by GeoControl
Systems, Inc. (GCS). This program motivates
high school students to pursue college level
studies in engineering and science disciplines
by providing relevant training, employment,
and scholastic assistance. Since GCS
provides engineering support services to the
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), this program also
inspires students to consider careers in the
aerospace industry.
The reasons to support and carry out the “Launch”
program are found in the activities adopted by
GCS in its business management policy. For
example, as Houston’s inner-city high school
students are targeted as applicants for “Launch”,
this program will help to revitalize the
communities where GCS employees live and
work. In addition, “Launch” will help to improve
the lives of GCS employees including the lives of
the employees directly participating in the
program. Lastly, since “Launch” encourages the
pursuit of math and science coursework, this
program will aid in increasing the number of
young men and women graduating from college
with degrees in engineering and science
disciplines. Because NASA programs require
contributions from individuals with these forms of
education, the “Launch” program will assist GCS
in it efforts to improve the overall performance of
its customers.
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Eligibility Requirements
(Note: Some are rules while others are conditions of employment)
Students must reside in HUBZone designated areas.
Students must be in either the 11th or 12th grade.
Students must be US citizens.
Students upon receipt of an offer to participate in the program must pass a
drug test. (This will also include random screening).
Students must work a total of 10 hours per week.
Students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from
school/worksite.
Students must possess a strong academic record. This includes a
demonstrated interest in math and science studies as evidenced by their
school transcript.
In their senior year students must attend at least two college career fairs.
Students must volunteer in at least one community service project per year.
Students must attend the summer program in order to be eligible for the
following semester.
Students will Compete to be Part of the Project
Rules for Onsite Participation
Students must maintain a B average while in the program
Students must meet the eligibility requirements for the program through out
their course of participation
Students must not be disruptive in the classroom and follow the same class
room standards as described in the school’s policy. Students who are
working on GCS property must follow the guidelines as described in the
GCS policy manual.
Students missing training/work for three or more consecutive or cumulative
days without approved absence whether concurrent or cumulative will be
terminated from the program
Students who have been terminated from the program will not be
readmitted.
Dress for the program is always business casual, which includes beige
“kacky” slacks and white dress shirt. Students in entire school uniform are
permitted to wear that uniform during the training/work segment.
Meet the Instructor
Dr Nghia Le is a successful
teacher of over ten years
at both the collegiate and
High School levels. He
received a Ph.D in
Organic Chemistry from
the University of Alberta
(Canada) and an MBA
from Our Lady of the La