Summertime is a great time for high school students to gain insights and experiences in career fields that they may have interest in. There are many, many opportunities, below is a listing of just a few of the noteworthy ones that you might consider.

US Naval Academy Summer STEM Camp – Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Camp. Engineering is all about creating, building, and making things better. So what does it take to able an engineer? If you like math and science, you are off to a great start. The Naval Academy Summer STEM Program is offered to rising 9th -11th graders. Students must demonstrate superior academic performance to include GPA and strong ACT results. Selection is based in large part on ensuring geographic representation along with overall accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Applications will close on April 15th. Go to www.usna.edu to apply. This is also a great opportunity to get first-hand experience at what the US Naval Academy would be like. This four-year college offers a technical education that is on par with the finest colleges in the country. The cost of attending the naval academy is paid for by the US Government.

MO Science and Technology Summer Camps – Right in our back yard, this Rolla based campus had 14 different summer camps to excite our youth. Some of the more popular camps include the Explosive Camp, The Jackling Introduction to Engineering and the Nuclear Engineering Camp. They have many more which can be found at summer.mst.edu. A week of one of these camps can create a lifetime career.

State Technical College in Linn, Missouri is offering the CPOD camp from June 26 – 29th. This Computer Professions on Demand (CPOD) is open for only 20 students so apply early by contacting Mrs. Kirk at Dixon High School or at cpod.statetechmo.edu. Great company experiences, tours and class projects plus free stuff! No cost for this program.

Washington University in St. Louis is hosting Summer Experiences for Middle and High School Students. These noncredit institutes explore a specialized interest, career, or major. Institutes combine traditional class and lab curriculum with field trips, guest lectures, and hands-on activities. Residential only. Space is limited. Scholarship assistance is available to students who demonstrate financial need. Pre Med, Pre-Engineering, Writing and Environmental Studies to name just a few. For more information go to summerexperiences.wustl.edu.

In summary, many two and four year colleges have additional summer programs that are not listed but it would be good to check out at the college web site. If you have any additional questions about Summer Programs, please feel free to email Mrs. Kirk, Counselor at Dixon High School. (ckirk@dixonr1.com)