Institutes and programs for K-12 students

Programs in Wyoming

ASTRO CAMP

Wyoming Astro Camp is a living/learning summer community of students, teachers, and scientists working together to understand the universe through hands on experiments and telescope activities.
Applications for the Summer Astro Camp in June 2006 are due April 14, 2006. Dates for Astro Camp are June 18 - 22, 2006. Travel stipends of $100 are available to qualified students requiring financial assistance. There will be a $25 registration fee for accepted applicants. Astro Camp is open to all Wyoming students who are completing 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. This year they anticipate selecting about 20 students from around Wyoming to participate in a 5-day Space/Astronomy extravaganza. Participants from previous Astro Camps are eligible to apply, but preference will be given to students who have never attended.
Astro Camp is also looking for Middle- or High-School teachers to participate by leading, supervising, and designing student activities and curriculum (stipends are available) - more information for teachers.

Rocket Camp

A day camp program offered in conjunction with the Wickman Spacecraft and Propulsion Company, in Casper, Wyoming. See their website for program information.

Women in Science Conference

There are two WIS events in Wyoming, one held in the Spring (May) at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, the other held in the Fall (October) at Central Wyoming College in Riverton.
These day-long events are open to 7th thru 12th grade girls (and boys) and teachers!

Casper Planetarium Astronomy Camp

In these classes students will discover the wonders of our universe while performing hands-on experiments here on earth.  Classes give students the opportunity to observe astronomical phenomena and build understanding through personal experience. Classes will also enrich students' experience through reading, mathematics, art and music.  Each student will receive an astronomy book at the completion of the class. Classes are held at the Casper Planetarium. Various classes are available in the summer covering ages 5-12.

UW Engineering Summer Program (ESP)

The College of Engineering and the Wyoming Engineering Society, in conjunction with the J. Kenneth and Pat Kennedy Endowment, offer high school juniors an opportunity to participate in a summer program of hands-on experiences in various engineering fields. Students participate in hands-on laboratory activities in a variety of engineering disciplines and work directly with civil, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering faculty in exciting, discovery-based learning situations. In laboratory sessions, students are introduced to developing technologies like robotics, to emerging research in environmental engineering, and to established areas like digital electronics and structural engineering. The academic aspects of the program are complemented by typical university activities, including cultural and recreational events. Students live in the UW residence halls. As an ESP Scholar, you'll work one-on-one with faculty members specializing in your interest areas. Your curiosity and enthusiasm - not tests and grades - will inspire discovery. This two week program will expand your horizons, develop your creative thinking and problem solving skills, and challenge your imagination. ESP is held on the University of Wyoming campus, with some of the best laboratories and equipment in the Rocky Mountain region. Thirty students will be selected to participate in the program.

University of Wyoming Summer High School Institute

Three week summer residential program designed to provide intellectually talented high school students exciting educational experiences on the University of Wyoming Laramie campus. Students learn in small informal classes with no grades or tests; study with outstanding university faculty; enjoy and environment where they can be themselves; meet new people in a relaxed university atmosphere, develop long-lasting friendships and discover how students from all over Wyoming think about themselves and the world. Classes include humanities/social sciences, math/science, personal growth and feature speakers, films, excursions, cultural programs and recreational activities. For Wyoming high school sophomores. Application process.

UW Summer Research Apprenticeship Program

The Summer Research Apprentice Program (SRAP) is an intensive, seven week, paid summer research program held at the University of Wyoming. High School sophomore (completed year), junior, and senior students are eligible. SRAP was designed in 1985 to provide qualified minorities the opportunity to gain first hand experience in science, mathematics, engineering, and other related science research. Participants are chosen primarily, though not exclusively, from the Rocky Mountain region (including Nebraska and the Dakotas) to attend the program each summer. According to interest, participants are paired with a University of Wyoming professor and spend their days in the laboratory performing various research experiments. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to chemistry, energy research, molecular biology, engineering, zoology, geology, computer science, mathematics. For more information about SRAP Contact: Malinda Nichols Daniel (307) 766-6193 (mndaniel_(at)_uwyo.edu).

Programs outside of Wyoming

Space Camp

Want to train like a real astronaut? At Space Camp, you fly on a realistic, simulated shuttle mission, even experience weightlessness - a fun, cool way to spend 5 days! Sessions available for ages 9 through adult (there are also parent-child sessions!) both during the school year and during the summer. Space Camp is held in Alabama.

NASA Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP is a program designed to integrate the students’ educational studies with a wide range of clerical, administrative, professional, and technical experiences that support the agency. Each NASA center offers a different program.

The Directory of Science Training Programs

Includes a listing by state of opportunities for high school students in science, mathematics, and engineering enrichment programs. Also includes opportunities for teacher training in these subjects.

Sally Ride Science Camps

Innovative, hands-on science camps for girls entering 6th - 9th grade. In summer 2005, Sally Ride Science Camps were held at Stanford University (Stanford, CA), University of California (Berkeley, CA), University of San Diego (San Diego, CA), and Agnes Scott College (Atlanta, GA). These unique, overnight camps provide girls an opportunity to explore science, technology, and engineering while having fun on a college campus. Some scholarships available. For more information see the Sally Ride Science Camp website.

NASA Student Opportunities Podcasts

NASA has a new education podcast series for high school and college students interested in participating in NASA learning opportunities. NASA Student Opportunities is a weekly audio podcast that features interviews with students who have received NASA internships, fellowships or scholarships. Students share their experiences and offer suggestions for students who are interested in pursuing NASA learning opportunities. The podcasts also provide information about upcoming learning opportunities and application deadlines.