Missouri State University
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 is 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 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.
Program Overview
Missouri’s future will depend, in large part, on its ability to inspire talented 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 50 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 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 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, former 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, 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 (some exceptions may apply)
Costs
The Missouri Innovation Academy is partially funded through a grant made possible by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) College Access Challenge Grant Program. The cost of this program is approximately $3,000 per student. Each student selected to participate will receive a partial scholarship (approximately $1,500) to cover specific costs incurred by the Academy such as personnel, travel, equipment, and supplies. Students will be responsible for covering the remainder of expenses including housing, meals, and their personal travel expenses to and from the academy, as well as any personal purchases made during the three-weeks. Additional scholarships are available through private donations based upon financial need; please refer to the scholarship application for additional details.
Total Cost to Student $1,500
Payment Schedule:
$250 deposit due with acceptance April 20, 2012
$1,250 remaining balance due June 1, 2012
Application Process
1. Complete application packet -- student application, academic recommendation, scholarship application
2. Submit completed application packet by February 15, 2012
3. Chosen participants will be notified by March 30, 2012
Deadline for Submission: Postmarked by February 15, 2012
*Application and guidelines are also available by calling 417-836-4993.