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Scientific discoveries and technological innovations will be key to economic progress in the 21st century economy. For students to succeed in that economy, they will need to be skilled in science and math, and they will need to be able to apply sound business practices to commercialize their ideas.

The Missouri Innovation Academy is intended to begin students on the road to these skills. The Academy will be an on-campus summer program for high school sophomores and juniors. Students will live on the Missouri State University campus during the duration of the academy. The Academy will take a new approach to teaching students about innovation by merging the fields of business and science in order to give students a taste of ‘real world’ science and its relationship to commercialization. Students will work with science and business faculty on science and math projects during their time at the academy. Integrated into the program will be meetings with the companies and scientists associated with the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) as they are in the midst of designing and bringing scientific ideas to market.

Gov. Matt Blunt said “Missouri students are the keepers of all Missouri’s potential and promise. We must work together to build the foundation for their success and provide them with the tools they need to compete in tomorrow’s global economy,” when addressing the need for more opportunities in math, engineering, technology, and science (METS) education.

 

Program Overview

Missouri’s future will depend, in large part, on its ability to inspire talented high school students to fully develop their science, math, engineering, business, and technology skills at universities. These are the students who will be leaders in innovation. It is innovation that ultimately drives economic development, creates jobs, and keeps Missouri prosperous. 

The Missouri Innovation Academy, offered for three weeks each summer, provides 30-40 motivated students with the opportunity to link their aptitudes with promising futures. Advancing out of the Academy, students will have a clearer, more optimistic view of their career opportunities in science, math, engineering, business, and technology. The focus of the Academy will be on making, developing, and commercializing discoveries in science, technology, and engineering.

 
The Academy will take a new approach to business and science by merging the two fields. Seminars, case studies, and guest speakers will be used to emphasize innovation and creativity, with the guest speakers being successful scientists, researchers associated with the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC), and entrepreneurs from across the state.

 
When addressing the need for more opportunities in math, engineering, technology, and science (METS) education, Governor Matt Blunt said: “Missouri students are the keepers of all Missouri’s potential and promise. We must work together to build the foundation for their success and provide them with the tools they need to compete in tomorrow’s global economy.”

 

Qualifications

1. Looking for students passionate about: Science, Business, Innovative Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership
2. Willingness to explore new areas in Science and Business (No experience required)
3. Must be a current high school sophomore or junior living in Missouri
4. Minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or upper half of class (there may be some exceptions) 

 

 

Costs

Missouri Innovation Academy is funded through a grant made possible by Congressman Roy Blunt and the Department of Education Appropriations Act of 2008.  This grant will provide a scholarship to each student selected to participate.  The cost (approximately $5,000 for each student) covers housing, meals, academy tours, equipment and supplies for the three-week summer academy.  Students will be responsible for covering their travel expenses to and from the academy and any personal purchases.

 

Application Process

        1. Fill out application
        2. Submit by deadline (February 1, 2009)
        3. Chosen participants will be notified by March 1, 2009

 

 

Deadline for Submission:

Postmarked by February 1, 2009

*Application and guidelines are available by calling 417-836-8908