The following is a list of opportunities for high school students to enrich their education during summer break. Please visit the link for each program to review application deadlines and any costs associated with the programs. 

Mercy Medical Explorers is an Exploring program jointly sponsored by Mercy-Springfield Hospital and the Learning for Life’s career education program, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America Ozarks Council. The overall purpose of Exploring is to provide healthcare observation experiences for young men and women who are 15 - 20 years old. The program promotes personal growth, professional development and healthcare career observation.

ACLU High School Summer Advocacy Program: The ACLU Summer Advocacy Program (July) brings together high school students from across the United States to participate in a firsthand learning experience for the next generation of social justice advocates. During this week-long program in Washington, DC, students participate in electives and seminars led by lobbyists, community activists, lawyers, and ACLU experts to enhance their knowledge of civil liberties, social justice issues, and advocacy campaigns. The Close Up Foundation – a DC based civic education non-profit – partners with the ACLU to provide substantive experiential learning and small group discussion opportunities throughout the program. To read more about the program, please visit our website.

State Parks Youth Corps is an employment opportunity through the Missouri Career Center for 17-24 year olds wanting to make some money, learn employability skills and work outdoors.

Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center: See the website for specific information

Boys State The American Legion Boys State of Missouri is an eight-day hands on experience in the operation and fundamentals of government. Citizens of MBS construct their own state, utilizing the core values that hold true in our everyday lives. They are taught the need for competition, the value of public office, the strength of the individual voice and vote. Open to young men in their junior year of high school and should contact their school counselor for details/application.

Askinosie Chocolate University is a collaborative partnership of Askinosie Chocolate and Drury University created to benefit the children of the neighborhood. It was formed with a vision to provide a learning experience through the lens of artisan chocolate making. The goals are twofold; inspire the students about business and a world beyond Springfield. Shawn Askinosie was motivated to found this program because he wanted to reach out to the neighborhood children. Askinosie wanted the children of the neighborhood to be exposed to Askinosie Chocolate and how they do business. Askinosie Chocolate is the sole funding source of Chocolate University by donating 100% of their proceeds to Drury University for the benefit of the neighborhood children.

Bear Partnership: The Missouri State University College of Education invites students to participate in a program for your freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Missouri State’s new Bear Partnership program encourages students to attend a week-long immersion program on the Springfield campus that will expose them to some of the opportunities they can expect from their college experience. It will be taking place this summer from June 7th - June 12th 2020. Students will experience our campus and prepare themselves for college life by participating in ACT preparation sessions, attending workshops on different aspects of campus life, experiencing residence hall living, delving into various education careers, and exploring Springfield by attending local attractions. All of these activities are designed to familiarize students with the college experience and give them the opportunity to start planning for college and their careers. And – it is totally FREE!

Cherng Global Leadership Academy (GLA): Participants in this 10-day residential program will explore what it means for them personally to be a leader and will be led through a series of activities, programs, workshops, and projects that will enhance their leadership traits and build their skills, while connecting them into a broad leadership network across numerous fields—from business to government, agriculture to education. Hosted by the University of Missouri Honors College. 

Cox Health Teen Volunteer Program Please go on line and fill out an application. Students must be at least 15 years old.

CyberMiner Camp (Missouri S&T, Rolla MO) is great for high school juniors and seniors who love working with computers and digital technologies. Campers will enjoy hands-on computing activities in Computer Science, Computer and Electrical Engineering, and Information, Science & Technology.

Duke Summer Session for High School Students (Duke University) Opportunities for a one-week STEM Academy or three-week long courses are available. Applications available online.

Explosives Camp (Missouri S&T, Rolla MO) This camp is the “only camp of its kind” and provides participants with experience in working with explosives. This camp is open to rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years. Information should be available mid February.

Formula SAE Electric Car Camp (Missouri S&T, Rolla MO) Love race cars? This week-long camp gives campers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of electric vehicles and the Formula SAE competition. Campers will gain insight into the world of mechanical engineering and what being on a collegiate design team is all about.

Girls State The Missouri Girls State program was first established in 1940. The purpose is to promote pride in America, where girls create a fictitious state that the citizens will govern at the city, county and state level. They will have speakers who serve as leaders in our Missouri government as well as hold important offices in our communities. This is open to girls in their junior year of high school and should contact their school counselor for details.

Global Leadership Academy at Missouri State University Students will have an opportunity to hone their public speaking and leadership skills, explore global challenges, and conduct a research project utilizing MSU's state-of-the-art library. See the website for dates and financial information.

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (various sites across the country, with 2 in MO) The aim of HOBY is to “empower” students to “lead” and “excel.” HOBY participants are given the opportunity to “discover and sharpen” their leadership skills and “come face-to-face” with current leaders in a variety of fields. Leadership programs take place in June.

Jackling Introduction to Engineering (Missouri S&T, Rolla MO) This camp provides participants with an introduction to what engineers actually do, and how math and science relate to engineering. This camp is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Information should be available mid February.

MASH Camp Missouri AHEC Science and Health Camps are science and health exploration day camps for students entering 9th-12th grades. Learn about science in the medical field and various health careers. Participate in hands-on experiments and lab activities. Lunch, snacks, and camp t-shirts are included in the cost.

Materials Camp (Missouri S&T, Rolla MO) This camp is designed to teach participants about material science and engineering. This camp is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Information should be available mid February

Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MSU, Springfield MO) This Academy is open to current high school sophomores or juniors with an interest in Creative Writing, Theatre, Dance, Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, or Visual Arts. Information becomes available early fall. Check for deadlines.

Missouri Business Week Real-World Experience, life-changing results. Experience life on a college campus and meet other students from across the state. Learn about running a business, leadership and teamwork from professionals. Applications available in the fall and due mid December. Camp held late June on the campus of University of Missouri.

Missouri Public Affairs Academy – An 8 day academy held on the MSU Campus that brings together talented and aspiring students to develop their understanding of public affairs: civic engagement through government and the private sector. The Academy combines presentations by guest speakers with discussions, hands-on activities and service projects. Open to current to sophomores and juniors w/ GPA of 3.0.

Mizzou Engineering Camps (MU, Columbia MO) There are multiple programs including High School Weekend, and two week long Engineering Camps during the summer at MU.

Mizzou Summer Programs (MU, Columbia MO) Programs include: Build-a-Business, Scrub-in to a Health Career, SENSEible Science: Dyeing to do Chemistry!, GeoTech: Drones, Network Forensics for Hacker Trackers, The Arts as a Portal to Science. If you have questions please contact Teresa Bishop at 573-884-0554.

MoDOT Youth Transportation Conference (Jefferson City, MO): Students stay at the Lincoln University Campus and experience transportation activities, participate in competitions, and visit college campuses.

Nuclear Engineering Camp (Missouri S&T, Rolla MO) This program introduces students to the world of nuclear power and opportunities in the field. This program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Information should be available mid February.

STEM/Engineering Camps SAME (Society of American Military Engineers) offers summer camps. See this link for more information.

Summer Study Abroad Program This program offers several options for studying worldwide.

Summer Media Workshop (MU, Columbia MO) This 3-day workshop in July is open to rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors. This workshop is designed for students who are interested in media.

Trulaske Business Academy (MU, Columbia MO) This program is meant for college-bound minority students who are interested in business.