OPPORTUNITIES

Leadership opportunities are unique to an individual's needs.  They can enrich areas of interest, build upon current leadership skills, and encourage students to be involved in the community as engaged citizens. These are just a few suggestions, we suggest also conducting individual research to find what fits the individual student. These are in NO particular order. 

Missouri Scholars Academy - Founded in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school. The Academy is held each June on the campus of the University of Missouri and administered by the University of Missouri Honors College.

The Academy reflects Missouri’s desire to strive for excellence in education at all levels. The program is based on the premise that Missouri’s gifted youth must be provided with special opportunities for learning and personal development in order for them to realize their full potential.

With a carefully selected faculty and staff, a specially-designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, the Academy enables students to be part of a unique learning community. The Academy provides a model that all schools can use in building or expanding their own programs for gifted students. Educators who have served as faculty members have used this experience to benefit students in their local schools.

Funding for the Academy comes from the University of Missouri, the Missouri Legislature, a scholar activity fee for those attending, and through tax-deductible contributions made by alumni and parents of MSA participants. MSA also acknowledges philanthropic support given by various Missouri businesses and corporations. Website

Students of the Year (SOY) program with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: This is a new program for high school and college students where they can earn scholarships up to $1500. Students of the Year is a 7 week philanthropic, leadership development program for high school and college students. The participants develop personally and professionally! This is for freshmen - seniors, but sophomores and juniors are most encouraged.  Click on the link to the video to learn more! Website

Please check out this short video from one of our volunteers. She explains how this can be such a transformative moment in a student’s life. Video

Wonders of Wildlife Volunteers -  High School Volunteers will be trained to interpret to our guests about the Aquarium and Wildlife Galleries. Participants will receive special instruction on many aspects of aquatic life and conservation; in turn, they share this information with guests at various exhibits and in each gallery. At the end of their volunteer commitment, each student will have gained the necessary skills for interpretation, public speaking, and literary research. These skills will allow them to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship. They will have also gained the level of skill to become a Guest Engagement Volunteer.

Application to the program can be found here: Application

Duke Tip: The Duke University Talent Identification Program is a nonprofit organization that supports academically talented students in grades four through twelve. We offer above-grade-level testing, enrichment resources, year-round learning options, residential summer programs, online courses, and original research to supplement what students receive in school. Info

Missouri State Fine Arts Academy - Sophomores and Juniors, check out: Website Will need a portfolio and apply. See Mrs. Grace for assistance on the portfolio.

Missouri Leadership Seminar—Sophomores may apply here at school and one will be selected to represent at the seminar For more information: . Website

Missouri Boys State   Check application due dates!   For detailed information, visit HERE

The American Legion Boys State of Missouri is an eight-day hands on experience in the operation and fundamentals of government. Missouri Boys State draws together the best and brightest high school juniors to help lead them down the path of individual success and leadership through "doing," not just learning.

One idea paramount above any other at Missouri Boys State: That the individual is the one with the power to change the world. Whether athlete or politician, journalist or scientist, each and every one of us has the power to make a difference in the world. Using our democratic system as a basis, we equip the participants, or citizens, each year to construct their own state, utilizing the core values that hold true in our everyday lives. We teach the need for competition, the value of public service, the strength of the individual voice and vote. By reinforcing these basic American ideals, we help to shape the future of our society. This is what the American Legion Boys State of Missouri program is all about. Citizens of The American Legion Boys State of Missouri are eligible to receive college credit and scholarships for participating and successfully completing Boys State.(www.moboysstate.org)

Girls State Check application due dates!  For detailed information and online application packets, visit HERE

Delegates to Missouri Girls State are chosen by an interview and application procedure. .MGS delegates are girls who attend high school in Missouri and have just completed their junior year. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. Speech and debate experiences are also beneficial.(www.missourigirlsstate.org)

HOBY Information—Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Program (HOBY)- visit here for more information: Website

Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. HOBY provides students, for whom most are selected by their schools, the opportunity to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning, and motivation-building experiences, beginning a lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others. Due to the selfless efforts of volunteers and the contributions of generous donors, more than 10,000 students participate in HOBY programs annually.(www.hoby.org) 

National Youth Leadership Forum—There are several programs and areas, visit HERE for more information. Some of the areas of interest include: Medicine, Engineering, Law/CSI, Media, Business, STEM, National Security, Global Young Leaders, Game and Technology, plus many more! 

Our programs are designed to empower, engage, and equip next generation leaders to realize the power of their potential with amazing hands-on career exploration, state-of-the-art simulations, and experiences our Envisionaries (alumni) call “amazing” and parents call “transformational.” (www.envisionexperience.com)

Arrive Alive—Mercy provides Driver’s Education training for ages 15-24 for FREE. If you are interested, please contact Susan Green at 417-820-9285.

University of Chicago—information can be found HERE

Washington University Summer Programs-information can be found HERE

Cox Medical Explorers—See Mrs. Ewing for applications. Excellent opportunity for those interested in Health Sciences: HERE

Medical Explorers Post 229 started in November 1968 as the first medical exploring post in the United States. The CoxHealth Medical Explorers program is a rewarding, non-traditional educational avenue for students ages 15-20 trying to decide if a health care career fits into their future. Explorers may begin their program in September or February. All qualifications must be met to be eligible for this exclusive, high quality program. Apply in the FALL - see Mrs. Hopkins if you need assistance. 

Cox Health Job Shadowing—More INFO

Mercy High School Career Exploration Day—Usually in February...“Explore and understand the many disciplines within the Health Care Industry” Email Mrs. Hopkins if interested.

Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics—research enrichment program…Visit HERE

 MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) - Summer precollege programs More INFO

Springfield Leadership Academy  - Sophomores—see Mrs. Ewing for Applications INFO

* Leadership Springfield provides opportunities for Springfield high school juniors to develop leadership skills, which develops community leadership & engagement.

*A seven month program that includes monthly program days.

* Participants gain real-life experiences through interactions with leaders from businesses, government agencies and civic organizations.

* Offers an in-depth examination of critical issues facing Springfield today.

* Provides participants the tools to positively serve their community.

* This is a no cost program-transportation, food, and class t-shirt provided to all participants.

JUNIOR (Meaning Middle School Students)  National Student Leadership Conference—if interested check out their website: HERE

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. Register for camps HERE

In addition, a Springfield Health Sciences camp will be held in Bolivar and Monett. Registration and information are located: HERE (NOTE: They must be at least 16 to attend the Mental Health First Aid Certification on the last day. They can register to attend the first 2 days of camp ONLY if they are younger than 16, which would reduce the camp fee to $100)

MASH Camps in Monett and Bolivar registration located here: INFO

Missouri Democratic Coordinated Campaign is currently looking for interns and fellows to participate in our summer grassroots organizing program. This will be a great chance for students to learn about government and politics in an applied, hands-on setting, in one of the highest profile elections.

To apply for an internship or a fellowship with the Missouri Coordinated Campaign or to learn about general volunteer opportunities, apply online HERE call us at (314) 690-8108, or email us at intern@missouridems.org

Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) creates volunteer opportunities for youth ages 11-18 to address community needs and to inspire them for a lifetime commitment to service.   More INFO

Missouri Life Sciences Quest: INFO. Cost: Free Requirements: Must be resident of Missouri and in 9th - 11th grades. 

ACES(AHEC) (Career Enhancement Scholars) is a 2/3-year program designed for high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Students in the ACES program participate in college-credit courses, online modules, hands-on workshops, community service/volunteerism, and job shadowing.

The ACES Program is delivered from both Springfield and Bolivar. The Springfield ACES Program is hosted by Missouri State University. The Bolivar ACES Program is hosted by Citizens Memorial Hospital.  (ahec.missouristate.edu) INFO

Joseph Baldwin Academy (JBA) is a three-week residential program located on the campus of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri with an academically challenging curriculum for grades 7-9. JBA offers a selection of liberal arts and sciences courses taught by Truman Faculty that simulate the experience of a first-year college student. JBA was created in 1985 in order to provide the benefits of a liberal arts education to students beyond its own undergraduates. JBA is proud to provide an academic challenge to younger students that is truly one of the finest of such opportunities in the nation and significantly more affordable than many comparable programs around the country. Website

Askinosie Chocolate University is an experiential learning program with a worldwide reach for local students. The goal is to inspire students through the lens of artisan chocolate making to be global citizens and embrace the idea that business(es) can solve world problems. We involve neighborhood students from Boyd Elementary, Pipkin Middle School and local high schools in our business through visits to their classrooms, field trips to our factory, updates from origin, visits to origin and much more. The goal is not for these students to become bystanders during a lecture on chocolate making. It’s to provide them with a hands-on experience that takes them from the inner-workings of the factory to the cocoa bean farms across the world. Website

 Phillips Exeter Summer Academy - Exeter Summer brings together 760 students from more than 40 states and 50 countries for our five week academic enrichment program. In our unique Harkness classrooms groups of 8-12 students, around an oval table, engage in seminar discussions and collaboration to learn in all disciplines. We offer more than 100 different classes for High School students plus ten thematic clusters for rising 8th and 9th graders. At our Exeter, New Hampshire campus students are provided a challenging academic curriculum and are part of a student population that embodies a rich diversity of language, culture, religion, and race. From the labs to the playing fields, the theatre, art studios, observatory, classrooms and dorms, our school offers a truly student-centered summer experience that motivates students and prepares them for college. exeter.edu/summer

MU School of Medicine HS Mini Medical School - MU’s High School Mini Medical School is geared toward current high school juniors interested in careers in medicine.  It is a one-week experience designed to give students a preview of medical school.  Program highlights:

· Participation in medical school style curriculum

· Introduction to Patient Based Learning (PBL)

· Special Sessions with clinical and research specialists

· Hospital tours

· Hands-on experience in anatomy, microbiology, and clinical skills

 For application and more information, visit:  HERE

Applications are available on the website above after the first of year.

Applications with supporting documents are due by March 1st. 

Contact: 573.882.5647 umhssomminimed@missouri.edu

 Smith College - Summer Precollege Program INFO

NYU Programs for Middle School and High School Students INFO

Rhodes College Summer Writing Institute - This is for high school students. This is a college-prep program with five writing courses ranging from a fiction workshop to a biology seminar. Our website includes information about tuition and aid, academic programming, and residential life. INFO

Cherng Global Leadership Academy at MU - A ten-day, residential program of intensive leadership skills development and growth. Activities, programs, workshops, and projects that will build and enhance leadership skills, while connecting into a broad leadership network. Cost to attend the CGLA is just $400 and includes room, board, activities, and materials. Need-based scholarships are available for a limited number of participants. For more information and to apply: https:// honors.missouri.edu/cherng-globalleadership-academy

If you have any questions, please email me directly

CyberMath Academy Summer Camps - Two locations: Harvard Law School, Wasserstein Hall, 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 Application and Information here: INFO

Green for Greene - It is a FREE vocational certificate training program which provides 13 certifications in environmentally-oriented, “green” jobs. The certifications taught through the program are:

OSHA 10, OSHA Hazwoper, Trenching & Excavation, Confined Space, Lead Renovation Repair & Painting, Lead Abatement Worker, Asbestos Handler, Forklift Driver, Mold Abatement, Silica, Flagger, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR.

An application for the program may be found: HERE

 For questions, students may send an email or call at (417) 841-3354.

Additionally, we hold info sessions every Tuesday at 9:30am at the Missouri Job Center (for when students are out of school).

Harvard Sq/Stanford University Math, Coding, SAT Camps - Grades 6-12 Please contact us to receive flyers in

the mail or visit HERE for more information.

Lehigh Summer Academy - Premiering Summer 2020, we’re pleased to offer Lehigh University Summer Academy, a three-week pre-college residential program for rising 6th -11th grade students. We’re eager to share this information with you since it provides an exciting summer enrichment opportunity for your high school students.

Designed to help students achieve their full potential, Lehigh University Summer Academy offers innovative, thought-provoking and enriching course work, combined with learning that extends beyond the traditional classroom. Service-learning projects, leadership development, field trips and social events will also be an integral part of the program. Participants will build their “tool belt” for success both in school and life. Most importantly, students will make meaningful connections and create friendships that will last a lifetime!

Two three-week sessions are available this summer. Each session is limited to only 80 students to ensure a highly personal enrichment experience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and financial assistance is available. Educators and school administrators are invited to nominate students for the program.

To learn more about the program and to nominate students, visit HERE. If you have questions about the Summer Academy, please feel free to contact Kristin Weinstein, Managing Director, at 610.758.0655 or Send us an email

International Relations at Harvard is hosting for the very first time—the top program for high school students around the world interested in international relations. As students currently studying foreign policy at Harvard, we want to democratize access to international relations among high school students in ways we wish had been available prior to college. We would like to extend an invitation to your high school students to apply. Admitted students will learn from workshops led by Harvard professors and experienced policymakers, government officials, and regional experts. Confirmed experts already include the President of Brookings, U.S. Ambassadors, and senior White House officials. More information can be found in the poster attached below and the application can be found on our website: HERE. Our early application deadline is April 1st; final deadline is May 1st. Generous financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis. Thank you and please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions.