Woodward, Okla. — Summer school is not always a bad thing.

A number of Oklahoma colleges and universities offer middle and high school students the opportunity to participate in summer academies that give them a taste of life on campus while exploring exciting careers in math, science and technology.

Architecture, engineering and forensics are a few examples of the fields students can explore at the free 2010 Summer Academies in Math, Science and Technology, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

The free academies are open to upcoming eighth through 12th graders.  Each academy explores the latest trends in the field by using fun activities and innovative software as students experiment both in the classroom and outdoors.  Many academies also include field trips to some of the states top companies, science facilities and museums.

“If they are interested in exploring these fields, this is an opportunity for them to get lots of hands-on experience,” said Traci Schwerdtfeger, of Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Enid. 

NOC is currently accepting applications for its CSI: Northern Summer Academy to be held July 12 through July 15 for students interested in science, mathematics and/ or career opportunities in criminal justice.

Schwerdtfeger said 20 students will be selected to stay on campus at NOC for four-days while doing science experiments with “who-done-it” mysteries, field trips- including a visit to the Oklahoma Science Museum, business and industry visits and listening to guest speakers who work in the criminal justice system.

At the end of the program, students present their experiences at the academy to their families.

Cameron University in Lawton will hold a residential Science Detectives Summer Academy from June 3 through 8.  During this course, students gain experience in the fields of biology, laboratory science and health care careers. 

Students will be introduced to methods of collecting samples and scientific laboratory research, and information in regards to pursing biomedical educations through Oklahoma Technology Centers, and experience health care careers in a hospital setting.

But the academies at NOC and Cameron University are just two of the many academies being offered at 19 of Oklahoma’s college and university campuses in May, June, July and August.

Twenty-nine different academies are offered statewide at campuses including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, Seminole State College, Northeastern State University and many more. 

The academies last from four days to two weeks.  Several academies allow students to live in the campus residence halls, while others let students commute to campus each day.  All of these summer academies are free, and include meals and admission on field trips.

Applications deadlines are approaching for many of the academies, and since enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply early. 

Officials emphasize the academies are not exclusive to top students but instead are designed to give all students an opportunity to increase their interest and confidence in math, science and technology, and ultimately, expand their career and educational aspirations.

Each academy offers a unique experience, so if you want to solve a crime, build a robot, or even fly a plane, visit www.okhighered.org and click the “2010 Summer Academies” link.  More information, applications and a full list of this year’s academies can be found on the website or by contacting your school counselor.