Sponsored annually by the Robert and MeiLi Hefner Foundation
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)
Summer Science (Teachers) Institute
Sponsored by ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66
Directed by Dr. Mark Li
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)
Summer Math (Teachers) Institute
Sponsored by Sarkeys Foundation
Directed by Professor Sara Marie Bodenstein
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)
Summer Middle School Math & Science Workshops
Sponsored by The Williams Companies
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)
Investigative Research Scholars Program (IRSP)
Directed by Dr. Brent Richards
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
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.)
I learned that I have a passion for physics that I did not know I had. At my home school, I would have never taken any physics class. But, because of the exceptional physics program at OSSM, I found a major portion of what my passions are.
Nick R., OSSM Class of 2017 (Tuttle, Bridge Creek 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.)
Through OSSM I have gained a better understanding of other cultures, a confidence in what I do even if I fail, and I now know more about what talents I have and how I can use them to achieve my dreams. OSSM really has helped me mature and see what I can give back to others.
Seaira H., OSSM Class of 2017 (Hugo 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 prepared me for a petroleum engineering undergraduate program which helped me start my first semester of college as a sophomore and have a higher GPA after that first semester. (See more of Tyler’s story HERE!)
Tyler Carter, OSSM Class of 2012 (Sand Springs, Charles Page H.S.), Petroleum Engineer
In so many ways, my experience at OSSM grew me as a person by completely breaking down and rebuilding my perception of an excellent education. Not only was I able to experience a competitive yet collaborative school culture, but I learned much more than I ever thought possible.
John N., OSSM Class of 2017 (OKC, Southmoore H.S.)
OSSM helped me to realize my potential and provided me with the confidence to achieve more than I could have imagined.
Capt. James Dunlap, M.D., Surgeon, OSSM Class of 1994 (Lexington H.S.)
OSSM has opened up so many new doors to me and has given me the chance to meet new people and explore the person I want to be. This place is unlike any other and it is overall amazing to be here.
Jax T., OSSM Class of 2019 (Ramona, Caney Valley H.S.)
At OSSM, I learned leadership and responsibility. Gaining knowledge went from a task that ought to be done to a joy that shapes who I am and who I may become.
Rev. Sara Dillard Bodenstein, OSSM Class of 1994 (Weatherford H.S.), Mathematics Professor at OSSM
