Sponsored annually by the Robert and MeiLi Hefner Foundation
We regret to announce the 2020 Hefner Initiative journey to China has been canceled due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Hefner Initiatives aim to help build a close and positive relationship between China and the USA. This approximately 12-day summer program sponsors Junior high school students in America to travel abroad to China. The Robert & MeiLi Hefner Foundation believes that this opportunity will not only enhance the China/US relationship in the future but also expand the knowledge and exposure of these young students to a rising and important sector of the world.
OSSM’s application window for Juniors to apply for the 2020 Hefner Initiative program opens December 2, 2019.
Applications will be due no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, January 13, 2020.
Sponsored for the 2019/2020 School Year by the Kirkpatrick Foundation
Directed by Professor Kelly Chaves
A visual and performing arts program designed to instill and promote an appreciation of the arts in OSSM students, including classes in specialized areas of art, music, theatre, photography and dance. (See more)
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Summer Science (Teachers) Institute
Sponsored by ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66
Directed by Dr. Mark Li
We regret to announce the 2020 Conoco Phillips & Phillips 66 Summer Science Institute has been canceled due to the COVID-19 situation.
The ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66 Summer Science Institute at OSSM is a high quality week-long residential professional development program for middle school science teachers from all over Oklahoma. (see more)
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Summer Math (Teachers) Institute
Sponsored by Sarkeys Foundation
Directed by Professor Sara Marie Bodenstein
We regret to announce the 2020 Sarkeys Summer Math Institute has been canceled due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Sarkeys Summer Math Institute at OSSM is a high quality week-long residential professional development program for middle school math teachers from all over Oklahoma. (see more)
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Summer Middle School Math & Science Workshops
Sponsored by The Williams Companies
We regret to announce the 2020 Williams Middle School Summer Math & Science Workshops have been postponed until further notice due to the COVID-19 situation.
Free OSSM Summer One-Day Math Workshops offer middle school students an excellent foundation to master state standards, strengthening skills in general math, pre-algebra, Algebra I, geometry, and Algebra II, as well as contest math. OSSM Science Days introduce students to a wide range of STEM careers through presentations from visiting experts. (See more & Register Here)
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Investigative Research Scholars Program (IRSP)
Directed by Dr. Brent Richards
We regret to announce the 2020 summer Investigative Research Scholars Program (IRSP) has been postponed until further notice due to the COVID-19 situation.
An intensive, three-week summer program designed for OSSM rising seniors who are selected by OSSM faculty to conduct ongoing research with scientists, engineers, doctors and professors. (See more about this endowed program)
Testimonials
I learned how much a teacher could push me and nurture my education at the same time. I also found a great network of friends that could help me out no matter the problem and I’m truly grateful I got to have this experience!
Jessica Y., OSSM Class of 2017 (Stillwater H.S.)
Attending OSSM has given me a support group in the form of fellow students turned family. The small class size, amiable environment, and awesome faculty has set the bar that all future education will be measured against.
Angela Z., OSSM Class of 2017 (Norman H.S.)
Coming from rural Oklahoma, my ambition to be an aerospace engineer didn’t draw out many peers or mentors from my community. Besides the academic growth that came from attending, OSSM impacted me by helping me grow extensive peer and professional networks, which have since led to several exclusive opportunities. Since graduating in Spring 2018, I have completed two summer internships with The Boeing Co. and written a proposal accepted by NASA.
Braxton B., OSSM Class of 2018 (Woodward H.S.)
Through the rigorous academics offered, OSSM has allowed me to feel well-prepared for college and beyond. OSSM has presented students with many opportunities that would not be available to them at their traditional home high schools. Students of OSSM become a tight-knit community, and [although] we have switched [temporarily] to virtual learning due to COVID-19, faculty has continued to work towards keeping the same academic standards for students.
Ashley M., OSSM Class of 2022 (Yukon H.S.)
It’s important to remind yourself that no matter how many disappointments you face or how many times you fail, you just have to pick yourself up and keep working towards your goals. If you do, eventually your successes will outweigh your failures and you will accomplish the goals you set for yourself. It took me two semesters at OSSM to learn this, but I know I will never forget it.
Ope O., OSSM Class of 2017 (Oklahoma City, Putnam City North H.S.)
OSSM has been an amazing experience for me. Although the classes are challenging, they interest me and stimulate my mind in ways that my home school never could. However, the community has had the most profound impact on me; it is clear to me that wherever I go, I will never meet people or have a community quite like the one at OSSM.
Catherine T., OSSM Class of 2019 (Edmond, Santa Fe H.S.)
OSSM provides unique education opportunities for students who are seeking to challenge themselves. By inspiring a high level of excellence, OSSM helps students to flourish in whichever field they wish to enter.
Pooja V., OSSM Class of 2019 (Lawton Academy of Arts & Science)
The past two years, I’ve had the privilege to help a team of doctors with Alzheimer’s research. I’ve learned a great deal from this experience, but most importantly, I’ve discovered that my curiosity for the way the brain functions is endless. I find that each piece of new information I learn leads to more questions that I want answers to. I am excited to learn more as I pursue a degree in neuroscience and prepare for medical school
Emily J., OSSM Class of 2018 (Sallisaw, Muldrow H.S.)
There is a sense of security to be gained from similarity. At OSSM, however, I have found my best friends are the most different from me, and I relish in our unique approaches to problem solving. We all share in the ambition to better ourselves and the community we share.
Maggie Z., OSSM Class of 2017 (Tulsa, Jenks H.S.)
OSSM is a place where I can surround myself with hardworking people who can help me become the best version of myself possible. This school is the first step in becoming everything I want to be while I create lifelong relationships with the students and faculty.
