It’s never too early for students to start thinking about what they want to be when they grow up.

OSU Institute of Technology is offering eighth through 10th-graders an opportunity to experience a slice of college life and learn more about careers in math and science at the Emerging and Converging Technologies Camp May 31 through June 5.

“The purpose is to get students acclimated to college and the different options that they have so they will better prepare themselves while in high school,” said Angie Been, Summer Academy Director on the OSUIT campus. “Hopefully it will give them insight into areas they are interested in or they learn about other opportunities.”

Those enrolled in the free weeklong camp, funded by the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education, will rotate to several of the programs for hands-on activities and to learn about career opportunities in nursing and health sciences, visual communications, engineering, information technology, culinary arts, automotive and construction.

“I try to get them into as many programs as possible on campus. The programs are really good to work with us and find hands-on activities for the students to participate in,” Been said. “I also like to pick areas that have math and science incorporated heavily into the program.”

Aubriana Freeman came from Del City to attend the technology camp for the first time last summer because of her interest in a career in the medical field.

“We got to hold a heart and brain and lungs. Seeing all the different parts of the human body, it was interesting. It didn’t bother me at all,” Aubriana said.

The same couldn’t be said for Patrick West from Sasakwa, whose top career choices last summer was accountant or auto mechanic.

“I was interested in the heavy duty equipment,” Patrick said. “It was great meeting a lot of people. I learned a lot.”

The deadline for camp applications is April 1 and must include a 100-word essay from the student about why they want to attend and how it will benefit them if selected, as well as a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, administrator or community leader from their hometown.

For more information contact Angie Been at 918.293.4831 or email angie.been@okstate.edu. Also check out the Emerging & Converging Technology Camp Web page at osuit.edu/academies to download the application and brochure.