Budding scientists and engineers interested in exploring such future careers while experiencing the fun of a summer camp are encouraged to apply for a science program hosted at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock this year.

The university is the only one in Arkansas and one of only 20 nationwide that will offer the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp program.

Middle school students entering sixth, seventh, or eighth grades in fall 2014 may be eligible to attend the all-expenses-paid, two-week camp at UALR, July 6-18.

Additional information regarding application requirements and submission instructions are available at The Harris Foundation website.

Former astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, offers the program to immerse students in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning.

Harris, founder of the nonprofit Harris Foundation and the first African American to walk in space, said learning comes to life for students through real-world applications.

Throughout the camp, students live on campus and participate in interactive, inquiry-based classes taught by university faculty, secondary teachers, and other professionals. Campers explore local museums, nature centers, and ecosystems. Students also hear from local professionals about rewarding career options in STEM fields.

Prior camp participants at UALR have enthusiastically endorsed the program, saying it was “the best camp I’ve ever been to,” and “can I please go to school here or can you make it a school?”

According to a 2013 Harris Foundation study of camp alumni currently enrolled in college, 96 percent credit the program with influencing their decision to pursue higher education, and 86 percent plan to pursue a STEM-related career.

View more pictures and information from the 2013 camp here.

About The Harris Foundation

The Harris Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Houston that invests in community-based initiatives to support education, health, and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular, minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.

About The ExxonMobil Foundation

The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corp. in the U.S.

The foundation and the corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health, and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations.