Engineering, game design and mathematics are just some of the classes students can take at Missouri State University-West Plains’ Summer Scholars Academy July 29 through Aug. 1.

The academy, for area sixth through eighth grade students, will meet from 8 a.m. to noon each day, organizers said.

In addition to classes that emphasize science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), students can see a variety of demonstrations on the final day, organizers said. These include:

• horticulture techniques in the campus’ greenhouse
• health information technology
• technology utilized in the university’s programs at the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT).

“The goal of the Summer Scholars Academy is to introduce sixth through eighth grade students to a variety of STEM topics through hands-on applications and demonstrations by a wide variety of disciplines on campus,” said Jacob Poulette, assistant professor of computer graphics and programming and one of the academy’s organizers.

“We hope that this return of a summer program for kids is the first step in offering more summer programs for a wider range of students in the future,” he added.

Registration ends July 14. The cost is $50 per student.

Only 40 students will be accepted, so organizers encourage those interested to register early.

Those who register will receive a packet of information containing the agenda for the week, including locations, organizers said.

For more information, contact Jerry Trick at 417-255-7292 or jerrytrick@missouristate.edu or Poulette at jacobpoulette@missouristate.edu.