What is the purpose of the Missouri Innovation Academy?
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 for 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.
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.”
Give students the opportunity to integrate their interest in science/math/technology with business and/or give students the opportunity to integrate their interest in business with the innovation/discovery process.
When and where does the Academy operate?
The dates for the 2010 Academy are Saturday, June 5, through Saturday, June 26, including weekends, on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
How are students selected?
All students must apply. A selection committee made up of faculty and staff from Missouri State University College of Business Administration, College of Natural and Applied Sciences and Jordan Valley Innovation Center will screen and evaluate all applications before selecting qualified participants.
What is the curriculum for the Academy?
The Missouri Innovation Academy is taking a new approach to business and science by merging the two fields to give students a taste of ‘real world’ science. This year’s program will allow students to design a new product of market-importance from a given set of parts and supplies with the aid of university faculty, scientists and industry experts. The students will not only design an innovative product but build a business model, acting as if they were a real high technology business. The three weeks of work will culminate on the last day of the program where the students will present their business idea overview to the university and to their families. University and corporate affiliates will judge the projects and business models, selecting a winning group to receive recognition.
What is the extracurricular and recreational program?
A full schedule of diverse activities is offered during afternoons, evenings, and weekends to enhance the Academy curriculum. Social and recreational activities are planned.
Who teaches at the Academy?
Faculty and staff for the Academy are selected from among highly qualified Missouri State University faculty and staff. The staff is chosen on the basis of students’ needs and interests and an applicant’s abilities, interests, and willingness to participate with students in rigorous and challenging work.
Are grades or credit given?
Neither grades nor credit are given; however, all students successfully completing the program receive a special certificate of commendation. College applications often provide students with an opportunity to explain their participation in special programs such as the Missouri Innovation Academy.
What is the cost to students?
Missouri Innovation Academy is funded through a grant made possible by Congressman Roy Blunt, the Department of Education, Missouri State University and private donations. Each student selected to participate will receive a scholarship to cover their cost (approximately $5,000) while attending the three-week summer academy. These costs cover housing, meals, travel, equipment, and supplies for the academy. Students will be responsible for covering their travel expenses to and from the academy and any personal purchases made during the three weeks.
What can students expect from residence hall life?
Students will live in Hammons House, located relatively near all facilities utilized by the Missouri Innovation Academy. Academy participants are assigned by gender to rooms. Each Academy student shares a room and/or suite with another participant. Room assignments are made by Academy officials. Each student is issued a key to his/her residence hall room. Supervision of the residence hall is provided by the Academy Assistants, each of whom works closely with about 5-10 students. In addition, regular university security procedures ensure a safe environment for participants.
Daily mail service is provided. Students probably will not receive mail sent after June 20th since they will be leaving June 26th. The students' mailing address while at the Academy is
Student's Name
Missouri Innovation Academy
Missouri State University
Hammons House
1001 E. Harrison, Room #
Springfield, MO 65807-1527
Are participants allowed leaves of absence or visitors?
The Academy program is concentrated and intensive. Departures from and visitors to the Academy are disruptive, compromise the safety and security of the students at the Academy, and are not allowed. It is impossible to accommodate requests for departures and to track visitors for each individual student without jeopardizing both the quality of the curricular and extra-curricular programs and the security of the students. Classes and enrichment activities are scheduled throughout the three weeks, including weekends. Participating students are expected to register at the beginning of the program, remain in residence for the duration, and will be dismissed on Saturday, June 26th after the closing convocation. Participants are not excused to attend conventions, conferences, camps, workshops, competitions, pageants, family vacations, etc., including events on the Missouri State University campus. Leaves of absence permitted only in emergency situations with the prior permission of the director.
What health services are available?
University health services are available to Academy students, if needed. Taylor Health and Wellness Center, located on the Missouri State University campus, bills the students' families for such services. Students may also be transported to area clinics or hospitals, when necessary. All charges from physicians, hospitals, or pharmacies are the families' responsibility. Contact information for University health providers is detailed in family mailings. If a student has special health or dietary needs and/or medication requirements, Academy officials must be notified prior to the start of the Academy. Students are responsible for self-administering medication.
Do students have an opportunity to participate in religious services?
Arrangements for optional attendance at religious services at several churches located in town are made during registration.
Do students have unscheduled time?
Students have limited unscheduled time. Non-academic days include both mandatory and optional activities.
What is a typical daily schedule?
7:00-8:15 a.m. Breakfast
8:30-11:45 a.m. Morning classes
11:45-12:45 p.m. Lunch
1:00-5:00 p.m. Group work
5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30-9:30 p.m. Meeting with corporate partners, tours
10:00 p.m. Curfew and house meeting
11:00 p.m. Lights out
More information will be added as we receive questions regarding the academy.
Questions:
Mr. Dana Frederick
Director, Missouri Innovation Academy
(417) 836-8908
DanaFrederick@missouristate.edu