Middle school students from across Arkansas have a chance to experience college hands-on with science and math experiences at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

UALR is the only university in the state selected to host this elite program.

It is a free, two-week residential camp for fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade students focused on strengthening skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The annual camp will be held July 5-17 with the theme, “Imagineering Your Future.” The application deadline is May 2, and potential campers will be notified no later than May 27 of their status.

For more information, contact Vernard Henley at 501.569.8203

The first time UALR hosted this event was in 2009, and it has been chosen since as one of the 20 sites nationally to host this academic science camp.

The program, sponsored by the Harris Foundation and ExxonMobil, is hosted by the UALR Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology.

All campers must have at least a B average in math and science, have recommendations from teachers, and submit an essay. This program supports traditionally underserved and underrepresented population.

Students live on campus and attend classes in biology, chemistry, technology, mathematics, English, and engineering design. They also participate in hands-on lab activities, conduct research, and work on projects designed to develop critical thinking skills with university faculty, secondary school teachers, and STEM educators.

Campers will also have the opportunity to attend two STEM-related field excursions.