Freshman Opportunities
October
VFW - Voice of Democracy Scholarship
October 31, 2022
22-23 theme: "Why is the Veteran Important?"
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
CLICK HERE for more information.
October 31, 2022
22-23 theme: "Why is the Veteran Important?"
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
CLICK HERE for more information.
November
American Legion - Oratorical Contest
Entry deadline: November 30
This is a speech contest offered to high school students with awards ranging from $2000 - $5,000 at the state finals. Students will compete and potentially advance to higher levels. The purpose of the contest is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution, the ability to think and speak clearly and critically, and the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The Legion contest is a partner with the National Speech & Debate Association, the honor society for high-school students (formerly the National Forensic League).
CLICK HERE for more details and how to enter.
Entry deadline: November 30
This is a speech contest offered to high school students with awards ranging from $2000 - $5,000 at the state finals. Students will compete and potentially advance to higher levels. The purpose of the contest is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution, the ability to think and speak clearly and critically, and the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The Legion contest is a partner with the National Speech & Debate Association, the honor society for high-school students (formerly the National Forensic League).
- High School: Before November 30, 2022
- County: Between December 4 and 19, 2022
- District: Before January 23, 2023
- Zone: Before February 13, 2023
- State Finals: On Sunday February 26, 2023
CLICK HERE for more details and how to enter.
Rankin Tech Adventure Academy
Registration Opens: TBD
Cost: $95.00
The Summer Adventure Academy program encourages middle and high school students to complete high school and further their education in a STEM-related discipline and ultimately join the technical workforce in their community by earning a STEM degree.
These week-long summer camps promote STEM career exploration by providing outside the classroom educational experiences to raise students’ aspirations. The Summer Adventure Academies engage students in real-world, hands-on camps that demonstrate the skills necessary in STEM occupations. More than 2,000 students have participated in the program since 2010.
Click here for the website and registration links
Click here for a brochure
Registration Opens: TBD
Cost: $95.00
The Summer Adventure Academy program encourages middle and high school students to complete high school and further their education in a STEM-related discipline and ultimately join the technical workforce in their community by earning a STEM degree.
These week-long summer camps promote STEM career exploration by providing outside the classroom educational experiences to raise students’ aspirations. The Summer Adventure Academies engage students in real-world, hands-on camps that demonstrate the skills necessary in STEM occupations. More than 2,000 students have participated in the program since 2010.
Click here for the website and registration links
Click here for a brochure
January
Missouri Fine Arts Academy
Registration Deadline - January 28
Cost - FREE
Date: June 2-15
Website: CLICK HERE
The Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is a two-week summer residential program for highly motivated sophomore, junior and senior high school student artists.
Registration Deadline - January 28
Cost - FREE
Date: June 2-15
Website: CLICK HERE
The Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is a two-week summer residential program for highly motivated sophomore, junior and senior high school student artists.
- visual arts/mixed media
- theatre
- dance
- creative writing
- music (instrumental and vocal)
February
ATSU - Truman Healthcare Academy
Application & Essay due by Monday, February 6, 2023
Location: Truman State University (Kirksville)
Date: June 25-30
Cost: $975
Website: CLICK HERE
Open to rising sophomres, juniors, and seniors.
The ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy offers an integrated curriculum that exposes students to the methods and skills of a variety of health professions, including:
In addition, students visit and practice skills in health care and medical training facilities including the cadaver anatomy lab, nursing patient simulators, exercise physiology lab, athletic training lab, speech and hearing clinic, osteopathic manual muscle therapy lab, and diagnostic ultrasound for a few examples. Students personally interact with a variety of health care professionals including physicians, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, epidemiologists, athletic trainers, speech pathologists, prosthetics, anatomy instructors, and exercise physiologists.
Application & Essay due by Monday, February 6, 2023
Location: Truman State University (Kirksville)
Date: June 25-30
Cost: $975
Website: CLICK HERE
Open to rising sophomres, juniors, and seniors.
The ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy offers an integrated curriculum that exposes students to the methods and skills of a variety of health professions, including:
- osteopathic medicine
- nursing
- orthopedic surgery
- prosthetics
- personal training
- exercise physiologist
- audiology/speech pathology
- physical and occupational therapy
- nutrition
- and other health professions
In addition, students visit and practice skills in health care and medical training facilities including the cadaver anatomy lab, nursing patient simulators, exercise physiology lab, athletic training lab, speech and hearing clinic, osteopathic manual muscle therapy lab, and diagnostic ultrasound for a few examples. Students personally interact with a variety of health care professionals including physicians, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, epidemiologists, athletic trainers, speech pathologists, prosthetics, anatomy instructors, and exercise physiologists.
March
Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF)
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Location: Mizzou
Date: July 16th - July 20
Cost: FREE
The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) is a five-day overnight program that empowers high school students with disabilities (IEP or 504).
Approximately 30 Missouri students will participate in developing leadership skills and career awareness.
o Stay in the dorms with a roommate and other participants from the Forum
How to Apply: Visit our website and complete the application (https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf.htm)
If you have questions, need assistance filling out your application, or need an alternative format, please email [email protected] or call our office at 573-751-2600 or 800-877-8249
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Location: Mizzou
Date: July 16th - July 20
Cost: FREE
The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) is a five-day overnight program that empowers high school students with disabilities (IEP or 504).
Approximately 30 Missouri students will participate in developing leadership skills and career awareness.
- Experience college life:
o Stay in the dorms with a roommate and other participants from the Forum
- Participate in various social activities:
- Meet people with disabilities from all walks of life to hear their stories and see firsthand that you can do anything in life
- Learn about the legislative process and advocacy.
- Learn about asking for accommodations in the workplace and post-secondary education
- Meet alumni and other students from other parts of Missouri
- Learn about what resources can help you live your life to the fullest
- Gain lots of self-determination and how to advocate for yourself
How to Apply: Visit our website and complete the application (https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf.htm)
If you have questions, need assistance filling out your application, or need an alternative format, please email [email protected] or call our office at 573-751-2600 or 800-877-8249
MyMO: My Missouri Scholarship Promise
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024 or when funds run out.
This is a $10,000 scholarship that is given to ALL qualifying students.
MyMO is a scholarship promise program intended to place 9th grade students from low-income backgrounds on a successful path to prepare, save and plan for college. To qualify, students and families will complete a FAFSA Forecaster and display exceptional financial need as well as open a MOST 529 College Savings account.
Attached is the flyer with information including eligibility requirements and how to apply. The application is open and will close April 15 or when funding is depleted, whichever comes first.
Please note: Only high school freshmen are eligible to apply. However, if there are current high school sophomores, juniors or seniors in your home, Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation has several other opportunities for students as they reach their senior year. Check out their website: moslf.org.
CLICK HERE for Program information
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024 or when funds run out.
This is a $10,000 scholarship that is given to ALL qualifying students.
MyMO is a scholarship promise program intended to place 9th grade students from low-income backgrounds on a successful path to prepare, save and plan for college. To qualify, students and families will complete a FAFSA Forecaster and display exceptional financial need as well as open a MOST 529 College Savings account.
Attached is the flyer with information including eligibility requirements and how to apply. The application is open and will close April 15 or when funding is depleted, whichever comes first.
Please note: Only high school freshmen are eligible to apply. However, if there are current high school sophomores, juniors or seniors in your home, Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation has several other opportunities for students as they reach their senior year. Check out their website: moslf.org.
CLICK HERE for Program information
April
MY-MO Scholarship Promise
Must enroll by April 15th of the freshman year.
"MyMo" is a $10,000 scholarship program that assists Missouri students from low-income backgrounds on their pathway to college starting the 9th grade year.
Eligibility criteria:
CLICK HERE for participating Missouri colleges that this scholarship applies to.
Class of 2027 informational flyer
Must enroll by April 15th of the freshman year.
"MyMo" is a $10,000 scholarship program that assists Missouri students from low-income backgrounds on their pathway to college starting the 9th grade year.
Eligibility criteria:
- Student must be considered low-income. (information on flyer below to determine eligibility).
- 9th grade student (must enroll by April 15 to participate).
- 2.5 GPA after their first semester of high school.
- 90% attendance rate.
- Attend a MyMO program evento oor meet virtually with MSLF staff member.
- Parent must open a MOST 529 account with $1 contribution.
CLICK HERE for participating Missouri colleges that this scholarship applies to.
Class of 2027 informational flyer
Columbia College - various summer camps
Application Deadline / Cost: Vary per camp.
Location: Columbia College , Columbia MO
CC Choir Fest (June 5-8) For 9th-12th grade students--Led by Columbia College faculty and visiting guest artists from around the country, this four-day overnight camp is an immersive musical experience that will help students find their voice.
Girls Who Game (July 22-27) For 6th-12th grade students--Campers will grow their skillsets with Esports professionals, connect with fellow gamers, and learn about various career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Application Deadline / Cost: Vary per camp.
Location: Columbia College , Columbia MO
CC Choir Fest (June 5-8) For 9th-12th grade students--Led by Columbia College faculty and visiting guest artists from around the country, this four-day overnight camp is an immersive musical experience that will help students find their voice.
Girls Who Game (July 22-27) For 6th-12th grade students--Campers will grow their skillsets with Esports professionals, connect with fellow gamers, and learn about various career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Computer Professions on Demand CPoD
Location: State Technical College of Missouri
Date: June 23 - 27, 2024
Cost: FREE
Application Due Date: April 20 2024
This program will accept 20 students each summer to attend this 5 day program. Students will stay on campus at State Technical College of Missouri and learn about career opportunities in a computer related field. Students will participate in leadership activites and attend field trips to area businesses. No computer experience is necessary. The application does require a teacher / counselor recommendation so it is important that is requesed prior to the due date.
CLICK HERE for the application.
CLICK HERE for the flyer
Location: State Technical College of Missouri
Date: June 23 - 27, 2024
Cost: FREE
Application Due Date: April 20 2024
This program will accept 20 students each summer to attend this 5 day program. Students will stay on campus at State Technical College of Missouri and learn about career opportunities in a computer related field. Students will participate in leadership activites and attend field trips to area businesses. No computer experience is necessary. The application does require a teacher / counselor recommendation so it is important that is requesed prior to the due date.
CLICK HERE for the application.
CLICK HERE for the flyer
May
Pharmacy Camp
Application Deadline: No deadline listed.
2024 Locations: Choice: Mizzou (June 7), Missouri State (June 21), UMKC (June 28)
Cost: $40
This is a one day camp for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy.
CLICK HERE: For the application and more information.
Application Deadline: No deadline listed.
2024 Locations: Choice: Mizzou (June 7), Missouri State (June 21), UMKC (June 28)
Cost: $40
This is a one day camp for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy.
- Take part in making actual medicine in the compounding lab.
- Hear from community pharmacists about their daily roles.
- Interact with clinical pharmacists in specialty practices such as oncology, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency room and more.
CLICK HERE: For the application and more information.