This summer, local grade school students will have the opportunity to collaborate with college students on real-life projects and learn first-hand how a college degree can help achieve their career goals.

OSU Institute of Technology is now accepting applications for 38 eighth through tenth graders to attend Emerging & Converging Technologies Summer Academy June 1-5. Applications are to be postmarked no later than April 1.

The students enrolled in the free four-day academy, funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, will apply math and science skills while participating in hands-on lab exercises in several different programs offered at OSUIT.

"The purpose of this summer academy is to acclimate students with career options that involve math and science by providing hands-on experiences within these fields," said Angie Been, who organizes the summer academy. "This helps students learn how math and science are related to different career fields."

Participants will have the opportunity to go "on the job" with Culinary Arts, Engineering Technologies, Creative Technologies, Nursing, Transportation and Heavy Equipment, Allied Health Science, Construction Management and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. By applying math and science skills to innovative technology projects, campers will gain insight into all of these fields through hands-on experiences.

The academy is also a residential academy so students can experience college life by staying overnight in student residence halls. Students will arrive on campus on Tuesday, June 1 and depart after lunch on Saturday, June 5.

"I encourage students to apply for this academy to gain experience about life on a college campus," said Been. "This gives students a chance to learn in simulated real-world environments using innovative technology."

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

Visit the Emerging & Converging Technologies Summer Academy page at osuit.edu/summer-academy.php for more information or to apply.