March 22 , 2006 :: Applications Now Accepted for Free Summer Academies on College Campuses
Oklahoma colleges and universities are inviting middle and high school students to visit their campuses this summer and explore math and science for free. Astronomy, architecture and forensics are a few examples of the fields they can explore at the 2006 Summer Academies in Math and Science.
The free academies, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, are open to upcoming eighth through 12th graders. Students can choose from 18 academies statewide. Each academy explores the latest trends in math and science, using fun, hands-on activities and experiments both in the classroom and outdoors. Many academies include field trips across the state or visits from Oklahoma companies that hire scientists. All academies are hosted on college campuses where students learn from professors and mentors.
In addition to the learning activities, the academies also have free-time activities. Several academies allow the students to live on campus in their residence halls. The academies last from three days to one week. All are free to students.
“This is the 16th year to offer Summer Academies, which shows just how popular they are,” Chancellor Paul G. Risser said. “They’re a great way for students to experience a college campus and explore careers.”
Applications are accepted now; many have deadlines. Because the academies are free and enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply early. To qualify, students need to be entering eighth through 12th grade next year. Officials emphasize the academies are not exclusive to top students; they are designed to give all students a more in-depth opportunity to learn that math and science are fun.
Applications and descriptions for each academy are available online at www.okhighered.org. Students also can get information from their school counselors or by calling 800.858.1840 toll-free.
Public and independent colleges and universities compete to host the academies on their campuses. They submit proposals to the State Regents office, which are reviewed by a committee of educators from secondary and higher education. The top proposals are selected and forwarded to the State Regents for final approval. This year’s 18 academies are funded through appropriations to the State Regents by the 2005 Oklahoma Legislature.
Academies offered this summer include:
East Central University, Ada
- Connecting Problem-Solving Strategies in Metrics, Geometry and Estimation to Landscaping and Architectural Design, June 26-30 (Grades 9-11)
Murray State College, Tishomingo
- Magical Math Summer Academy, July 10-14 (Grades 9-10)
Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow
- CSI: Equine Forensics Mystery Summer Academy, June 12-16 (Grades 9-11)
Oklahoma City Community College
- Mathematics in Astronomy and Space Technologies, July 10-14 (Grades 8-9)
- Summer Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Discovery, June 12-16 (Grades 11-12)
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
- Aerospace Education High School Summer Academy, June 18-23 (Grades 11-12)
- Reaching Engineering and Architecture Career Heights, June 2-10 (Grades 11-12)
Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
- Architecture/Construction Academy, June 12-16 (Grades 9-10)
- Surveying Academy, July 19-21 (Grades 10-12)
Oklahoma State University Technical Branch – Okmulgee
- Solar Power Enterprise Academy, June 11-16, (Grades 8-10)
Oral Roberts University – Tulsa
- An Integrated Program to Enhance Mathematics and Science Skills Through Hands-On Experiences, June 12-16 (Grades 8-9)
Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, and Seminole State College
- Introduction to Forensics and Evidence: A Chemical Lab Experience, July 17-21 (Grades 10-12)
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
- Engineering Physics: Team Science and Technology, Session I: June 5-9, Session II: June 12-16 (Grades 8-10)
- Public Secrets: The Science of Encryption and Other Careers in Mathematics and Technology, Session I: June 25-30, Session II: July 9-14 (Grades 8-10)
University of Oklahoma, Norman
- Bridges to College Math, Science and Engineering, Session I: July 16-21, Session II: July 23-28 (Grades 11-12)
University of Oklahoma Biological Station (near Lake Texoma)
- Field Studies in Multidisciplinary Biology, Session I: June 4-10, Session II: June 11-17, Session III: July 2-8, Session IV: July 9-15 (Grades 11-12)
The University of Tulsa
- Technology Education and Collaborative Summer Academy, Session I: June 19-28, Session II: July 17-26 (Grades 8-9)
Western Oklahoma State College, Altus
- Summer Academy in Plant Biology and Transgenics, June 12-16 (Grades 8-9)
