Summer Enrichment Opportunities

Of course, we are all looking forward to summer, and there is always plenty to do. But will you be using your time wisely? Summer’s a great time to catch up on reading or explore nature, but if you are looking for something a bit more structured–and something you can put on your scholarship applications senior year–you should consider getting involved in extensive community service or attending camps and conferences.

The list below includes opportunities for all students from preschool through seniors. If you know of additional opportunities, please let us know so we can add them to the list.

Ozarks Writing Project Author’s Studio (9-12)

It will be held from June 4 -June 8, 2012 from 9am-3pm, at the Missouri State University Alumni Center. Writers will experience writing in multiple genres (poetry, fiction, memoir, creative, etc.). Students will participate in a Writing Marathon where they will experience the sights, sounds, and food of downtown Springfield. Various published authors will offer their expertise and advice to all participating writers. Registration is $300 per student. http://owp.missouristate.edu/129678.htm

 Missouri Fine Arts Academy (10-11)

The Missouri Fine Arts Academy is a unique, three-week, residential summer program for exceptional Missouri artists who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school. Initiated in 1996, the Fine Arts Academy offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills in the fields of dance, music, theater, and the visual arts; to participate in intensive, stimulating activities of an interdisciplinary nature; and to explore the roles which the arts and they as artists can play in society. Students must be residents of the State of Missouri and be nominated by their public or private Missouri high schools to be considered for admission. The Fine Arts Academy will be held from on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Participants are drawn from across Missouri and represent the diversity of the state. The program is singularly free from competition, creating an environment that is conducive to building a community of friends and colleagues. Participants have the chance to know and make friends with other talented, enthusiastic artists who have demonstrated commitment to their artistic disciplines. The give-and-take among students from different backgrounds is one of the most treasured aspects of the program. http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/gifted/documents/fine_arts_acad_definition.pdf

Missouri Innovation Academy (10-11)

The MIA is looking for students passionate about Science, Business, Innovative Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership who are willing to explore new areas in Science and Business. No experience is required, but you must be a current high school sophomore or junior living in Missouri with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or upper half of class. Students will be responsible for covering the $1,500 tuition as well as any personal purchases made during the three-weeks.  This tuition covers all housing, food, field trips, social activities, supplies, etc.  There are no hidden fees beyond this tuition charge. Scholarships are available. http://www.missouristate.edu/mia/

Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars (7-9)

Three-week residential session of academic, cultural, and social experiences in a university environment.  Offered to students completing the 7th, 8th, or 9th grades.  College level courses in biology, studio art, war, acting, algebra, economics, etc. http://jba.truman.edu/

Missouri S&T Pre-College Summer Camps (4-12)

Missouri S&T’s summer camps on topics ranging from aerospace to robotics to explosives. http://futurestudents.mst.edu/precollege/index.html

 

Presidential Pre-College Program @ Missouri State (12)

Rising seniors may enroll in university classes for credit, as well as a non-credit university orientation course.  May be either resident or commuter.  http://www.missouristate.edu/advising/precollege.htm

 

College for Kids, A Summer Exploration, Inc.(3-9)

This is a residential program for students in grades 3-9, with three one-week sessions.  Classes are interdisciplinary and include a variety of topics.  http://www.collegeforkids.net

 

Summerscape  (6-9)

Summerscape is designed for intellectually gifted students who have completed grades 6-9.  Courses are selected and planned to provide an academic challenge and creative experiences.  Classes are limited to 16 students.   Thirty-eight courses could be offered in the areas of archaeology, music, debate, theater, computer science, journalism, video production, high-tech concepts, foreign language, photography, zoology, conservation, and leadership.  Campus recreational facilities are available.  Hands-on experiences, field trips, and the opportunity to interact with international students are key components of Summerscape.  Students opting to live on campus will be housed in dormitories at Drury University.

Drury Leadership Academy (10-12)

The Drury Leadership Academy is a program for high-achieving high school students who have completed grades 10-12.  Course are available in leadership, science, philosophy and humanities.  Students may take two courses. In addition to academic endeavors, the Drury Leadership Academy is designed to provide appropriate cultural and recreational activities with emphasis on leadership skills and leadership for the future.  Drury Leadership Academy students may enroll for one hour college credit (at no additional cost) per class taken.  Students opting to live on campus will be housed in dormitories at Drury University.

 

Summer Pals/Summer Quest (Preschool-5)

Drury University and Springfield Public Schools work together to sponsor a summer experience for gifted students.  For grades pre-kindergarten (must turn 5 by August 1, 2007), kindergarten and grades 1, this experience is Summer Pals; for grades 2-5, Summer Quest.  Summer Quest/Summer Pals classes are held June 11-22, 2007 (Monday through Friday).  Classes for Summer Pals will meet from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Sunshine Elementary.  Classes for Summer Quest will meet from 8:15 – 11:15 a.m. at Phelps Center for the Gifted.  Class size is limited to 16 students.  Courses are taught be highly qualified, effective teachers who understand and use both enrichment and acceleration.  Courses are hands-on, activity oriented and highly motivating.

 

Precollege @Mizzou (6-12)

Mizzou summer academies give you the chance to learn about music, engineering, journalism, the world of business, your creative side, and more.  Fill your brain and have a blast.  The MU Office of Access Initiatives hosts year-round academically-focused pre-college programs for 6th grade through 12th grade students.  This program emphasizes the college readiness and college-going culture around the state.  Visit http://precollege.missouri.edu or see your counselor.

 

Camp Quality USA Volunteer (12)

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and go through an interview process. Camp Quality USA is an organization that helps kids with cancer from across the country to enjoy being a kid for a week.  All four Camp Quality USA camps are in Missouri.  Camp Quality USA is powered by the efforts of volunteers to ensure its success.  The camp tends to be really short on male volunteers, but will accept all who are willing to help.   Camps are held in Stewartsville, St. Clair, Neosho, and Excelsion Springs.  http://www.campqualityusa.org

 

Leadership in Practice

Leadership in Practice is a 3-day seminar sponsored by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. The purpose of the seminar is to provide young Missourians the opportunity to learn the characteristics of good leadership and apply them through realistic activities and simulations.  Students will learn skills and apply knowledge in team-building challenges.

 

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) (10)

Schools in Missouri can nominate one sophomore each year to attend HOBY in June.  The HOBY mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.  HOBY programs continue to evolve and teach high school students social responsibility, how they can make a difference and what it means to be a global citizen. http://www.hoby.org

 

Missouri Leadership Seminar (MLS) (10)

Schools can nominate one sophomore each year to attend MLS in June at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. Missouri Leadership Seminar is an unforgettable weekend experience that immerses a select group of high school sophomores in an environment that brings out the leader inside.  Activities at MLS include team building, volunteerism, panels professional speakers, group discussions, and “Dinner with a Pro.” http://www.moleadership.com

 

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) (9-10)

The RYLA is held at William Woods University in Fulton, MO. The students must be an incoming or outgoing high school sophomore. RYLA includes an introduction to Rotary’s “Service Above Self” philosophy and youth programs, a personality self-assessment, team activities (including a team-challenge ropes course) and instruction in service leadership.  Participants leave the experience with a renewed or enlarged sense of purpose, new friends, and the confidence to return to his or her high school and community with personal goals and an awareness of the importance and impact of service leadership.

 

Missouri Business Week (MBW) (9-11)

Schools can nominate one student in grades 9 through 11 to attend Missouri Business Week at the University of Missouri – Columbia.  Students take a test run of college life, meet new friends, enhance your leadership skills,  and get the chance to win a scholarship. All in just one week! http://www.missouribusinessweek.com

 

The Lion’s Pride Project: Summer Youth Leadership Summit (9-11)

Schools may nominate one or more students grades 9 through 11 to attend The Lion’s Pride Project at Lindenwood University in St Charles, Missouri.  The cost for the three-day conference is $325, paid by the student’s family unless other sponsorship can be acquired.  The purpose of the program is to assist rising high school students who possess an affinity for helping others and who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills to develop a deeper understanding of their roles in social changes and to connect them to specific opportunities to act in service to others.  Students must complete an application form and responses to essay questions related to service, and secure a letter of recommendation by an individual familiar with the student’s commitment to service.

 

Missouri Girls State (MGS) (11)

Schools may nominate one or more junior girls to attend MGS at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.  Delegates are chosen by an application process through the local American Legion Auxilliary unit.  MGS was first established in 1940 as one of 11 Girls State programs in the nation.  Currently, 760 high school delegates attend statewide.  The purpose is to promote pride in America and to create a mythical state that the citizens will govern at the city, county, and state level.  There will be speakers who serve as leaders in our Missouri government as well as hold important offices in our communities. Delegates are eligible to receive college credit and scholarships for successfully completing MGS.

 

Missouri Boys State (MBS) (11)

Schools may nominate one or more junior boys to attend MBS at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.  Delegates are chosen by an application process through the local American Legion unit.  MBS provides experience in the operation and fundamentals of government.  Using our democratic system as a basis, MBS equips the citizens to construct their own state, utilizing the core values that hold true in our everyday lives.  By reinforcing basic American ideals, we help to shape the future of our society.  Delegates are eligible to receive college credit and scholarships for successfully completing MBS.

 

Missouri Scholar’s Academy (MSA) (10)

Schools may send one sophomore to MSA at the University of Missouri – Columbia each summer for this three week experience.  MSA attendees must rank among the top students in their class and receive top scores on the PLAN test and PSAT tests.  The MHS candidate takes an IQ test and participates in a competitive application process.  The dates for summer 2012 MSA are June 10 – 30.  MSA has been conducted by the State of Missouri since 1985.

 

National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine (NYLF)

NYLF is a 6-day intensive program for students who desire to enter the medical field.  The 2012 forums are in Washington, D.C or Los Angeles, CA. Qualifying students may receive college credit through George Mason University.  Nominees who require financial assistance may access the Forum’s online, interactive Sponsorships and Student Fundraising Guide.  This guide is designed to help students raise funds in order to earn their way to the Forum.  NYLF has also established a scholarship fund to assist nominees based on financial need, scholastic merit, and leadership achievements. http://www.nylf.org

 

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Leadership Camp (7-12)
The MMA hosts a two week camp that teaches campers the basics of leadership while exposing them to a wide variety of adventurous and physically challenging activities. Campers will build their self-confidence by challenging themselves while learning the value of teamwork. Cost is $2000.

 

Wonderland Camp Seasonal Job Opportunity (10-12)

Wonderland Camp is a camp in Rocky Mount, Missouri on the Lake of the Ozarks, which serves children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Not only will you make a difference in the lives of the campers, the change you will see in yourself is even bigger. The staff at Wonderland Camp is responsible for not only the well being of the campers but also to ensure a great camp experience for both campers and staff.  If hired, staff will need to work as many weeks as your schedule allows. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.  Please visit their website at http://www.wonderlandcamp.org for more information, including a list of job descriptions and a staff application.

 

University of Missouri Mini Medical School (11)

The University of Missouri School of Medicine offers an exciting and informative summer experience for high school students interested in a career in medicine.  MU’s High School Mini Medical School is a one-week program that gives students a preview of life as an MU medical student.  Mini Med School is intended for students who will begin their senior year in the fall.  This program has a competitive selection process. The fee for the High School Mini Medical School is $525. Some scholarships will be available in cases of financial need. Interested high school juniors may apply. http://medicine.missouri.edu/admissions/minimed.html

Missouri Public Affairs Academy (10-11)

Each summer the Missouri Public Affairs Academy brings talented high school students from throughout the state together to develop their understanding of public affairs. The Academy combines presentations by guest speakers with discussions, hands-on activities and service projects, and gives students the opportunity to learn from talented and accomplished political and community leaders in the state.

http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/mpaa/