3-6-08

Media Release

OSU Taking Applications for Middle-School Summer Science Camp

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University is taking applications to fill spots for 48 Oregon middle school students to attend the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp this summer at OSU. All campers will be funded by scholarship.

Application deadline is Wednesday, March 19.

The two-week residential camp, which runs Aug. 5-16 on campus, offers students entering grades six, seven and eight innovative ways to enhance their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Leadership and citizenship are main themes, and students are encouraged to stay in school.

The camp is offered at 25 institutions across the country. Last year, the OSU summer camp was awarded top honors as "Best Science Camp."

The full cost of the camp's education program, field trips, food and lodging is covered by a grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation and the Bernard Harris Foundation.

"We particularly hope to receive applications from female students; students who belong to populations who are traditionally under-represented in science and math; and students from rural areas," said Virginia Bourdeau, executive director of the camp.

OSU received an $80,000 grant earlier this year to host this summer's camp, which is a group effort of the Department of 4-H Youth Development Education in the College of Education, the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) program, the Science and Mathematics Education Department in the College of Science, and the College of Engineering.

For information and application forms in both English and Spanish, go to http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/programs/events/techcamp.htm.