Choctaw Nation
DURANT – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) through Project Pehlichi is offering a special opportunity this summer for Native American students with interests in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Applications are being accepted through April 1 for the Project Pehlichi Summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Camp again being held on the Jones Academy campus in Hartshorne during the month of June.
Attendance is free for all students who are selected through an academic and recommendation process. The program is open to all tribes, but a CDIB card showing membership in a federally recognized tribe is required.
“Previous camps have had students from as many as 15 school districts across the Choctaw Nation, with about an equal number of boys and girls attending,” said Program Coordinator Leslie Franks.
Each camp will host 25 students, she added. In addition to Franks, overseeing the camps will be Project Pehlichi Director Joy Tribbey, 10 camp staff members, plus mentors, Jones Academy personnel and activity facilitators.
Camps will feature workshops, field trips, college tours, cultural enrichment and more.
“Students will have a chance to make connections and network with experts in all of the STEAM areas,” Franks said.
Students will stay on the Jones Academy campus each day throughout the duration of camp and spend the night in campus dormitories.
Junior STEAM Camp for grades 5-8 will be held June 15-17. High School STEAM Camp for grades 9-12 will follow on June 19-24.
The application process requests transcripts, report cards and letters of recommendation. Deadline for submission is April 1 for the application form which may be downloaded at www.choctawnation.com/STEAM. For additional information, contact Leslie Franks at (918) 297-2518 Extension 1083 or steamcamp@choctawnation.com.