OSU Institute of Technology is once again offering eighth through 10th-graders a chance to learn more about careers in math and science and get a taste of college life at the annual Emerging and Converging Technologies Academy June 4 through 9.
“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, who organizes the event on the OSUIT campus. “Hopefully it will give them insight into areas they are interested in or they learn about other opportunities.”
The students enrolled in the free week-long academy, funded by the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education, will rotate to several of OSUIT’s academic programs for hands-on activities and learn about career opportunities in areas such as nursing and health sciences, visual communications, engineering, information technology, culinary arts, automotive and construction.
“I try to schedule visits to as many programs as possible on campus. Faculty 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.”
Chase Coleman, a student at Millwood High School in Oklahoma City, has attended the academy for the last two summers.
“I like getting to see the different career options. You get to see whether it’s what you really want to do,” said Coleman, whose favorite experience was visiting OSUIT’s Advanced Training Center at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor. “I think that’s what I’m going to do — manufacturing.”
The deadline for 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 Academy web page at osuit.edu/academies to download the application and brochure.