In Summer 2025, the following thirteen Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer (AEGIS) Programs will be available to Arkansas students through grant funding provided by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students do not have to be identified as gifted and talented in order to apply or be accepted to an AEGIS program. Each program's procedures for student selection will be aligned to the program goals. Students who have shown exceptional ability or interest in the program's content should be encouraged to apply. Additional information can be found at each program's website.

STEAM | June 16-20, 2025

AI Robotics & Ethics

University of Central Arkansas | Commute to Conway | Grade Levels: 10th, 11th, 12th

The AI Robotics & Ethics camp at the University of Central Arkansas is a one-week commuter program that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics with an emphasis on the moral and ethical dimension of this technology. During the week, student teams will learn programming and hardware skills to build and test machine learning algorithms to train and autonomously test-drive a robot car. The week culminates in a competition where the teams showcase what they have learned. Additionally, students will engage with artificial intelligence and robotics topics in popular culture through readings to understand the moral and ethical dimension of this rapidly developing technology.

Subject Area: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Philosophy, Ethics

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 5, 2025

Learn more: https://faculty.uca.edu/wvslaton/AEGIS-Camp/ 

STEAM | June 22-27, 2025

AI Robotics & Ethics

University of Central Arkansas | Residential in Conway | Grade Levels: 10th, 11th, 12th

The AI Robotics & Ethics camp at the University of Central Arkansas is a one-week residential program that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics with an emphasis on the moral and ethical dimension of this technology. During the week, student teams will learn programming and hardware skills to build and test machine learning algorithms to train and autonomously test-drive a robot car. The week culminates in a competition where the teams showcase what they have learned. Additionally, students will engage with artificial intelligence and robotics topics in popular culture through readings to understand the moral and ethical dimension of this rapidly developing technology.

Subject Area: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Philosophy, Ethics

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 5, 2025

Learn more: https://faculty.uca.edu/wvslaton/AEGIS-Camp/ 

Government | July 13-18, 2025

Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp

University of Central Arkansas | Residential in Conway | Grade Levels: 10th, 11th, 12th

This program brings together 50 high school students from throughout the state of Arkansas for a week-long International Affairs Summer Camp at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Students will be involved in educational workshops and experiential learning activities designed to deepen their knowledge and understanding of international affairs, diplomacy and international organizations in the 21st century. Participants will engage in educational workshops on international relations, the United Nations, and the fundamentals of Model United Nations. Students will represent countries in interactive simulations of the United Nations General Assembly, including committee and plenary sessions where they will discuss contemporary international issues and write draft resolutions regarding the issues. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of group activities in the evenings, including a Global Trivia Competition and a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Poster Competition.

Subject Area: Social Studies

Apply Here | Application Instructions | Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

Learn more: https://uca.edu/politicalscience/home/experiential-learning-activities/model-united-nations/arkansas-and-the-world

Languages | June 8-13, 2025

Arkansas Goes Global: World Languages & Culture Camp

Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts | Residential in Hot Springs | Grade Levels: 8th, 9th, 10th

This unique summer camp for Arkansas' rising gifted 8th-, 9th-, and 10th-grade students explores the rich connections between global languages and Arkansas' own cultural and economic landscape. Through a focus on Spanish, French, Japanese, and Marshallese, participants will discover how each language leaves its mark on the state's history, community and industries. Students will delve into these languages by learning foundational vocabulary, engaging in cultural experiences, and uncovering the impact of global learning on their educational journey. Arkansas Goes Global empowers students to see the world and their state through a global lens, equipping them with the ability to appreciate and contribute to Arkansas' evolving cultural mosaic.

Subject Area: World Languages & Cultures

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Learn more: https://www.asmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa/

Music | June 8-13, 2025

Chamber Music Camp

Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts | Residential in Hot Springs | Grade Levels: 8th, 9th, 10th

Expand your musical experience at Summer@ASMSA's Chamber Music Camp, where student musicians will explore the joys of ensemble performance and receive personalized instruction from experienced educators. Participants will engage in master classes covering a wide range of musical topics, as well as attending lectures in foundational music theory and history. Classes are designed to enhance students' skills and inspire their creativity, so come hone your craft in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and a love for music!

Subject Area: Music

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Learn more: https://www.asmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa/

Science | June 8-13, 2025

Environmental Science and Biotechnology Camp

Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts | Residential in Hot Springs | Grade Levels: 9th, 10th

Conduct fieldwork surveys, find a crystal, and learn how to evaluate the health of our ecosystems in Hot Springs National Park at the Environmental Science and Biotechnology Camp! By conducting field research and lab analysis, participants will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques while exploring the ecology and geology of the Ouachita Mountains region through this one-week residential program at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

Subject Area: Environmental Science and Biotechnology

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Learn more: https://www.asmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa/

Arts | June 23-27, 2025

MT Stage: From the Bard to Broadway

University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Commute to Little Rock | Grade Levels: 8th, 9th, 10th

In the tradition of "West Side Story," "& Juliet," and "Gnomeo and Juliet," students will use Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to create modernized scenes with original song lyrics. There is always room for original interpretation and students will explore how to go about it. The process will involve learning how to manipulate Shakespearean language through the use of Shakespearean insults, how to set up theatrical scenes to add a song and basic stage combat with safety protocols, culminating in a showcase of student-created scenes and songs. Along the way, students will learn about the concepts of Adaptation and Interpretation, have a great time with team-building activities, make connections with new friends and develop their talents. This week will focus on performance and creative expression through both acting and music, and will take place on the UA Little Rock campus from June 23-27, 2025.

Subject Area: Arts, Music, Literature, Communications

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

Learn more: https://ualr.edu/gifted/mt-stage-island/mt-stage-bard-application/

Science | June 23-26, 2025

Operation A.I.M.S.: Adolescents Investigating Medical Sciences

Great Rivers Education Service Cooperative | Residential in Jonesboro | Grade Levels: 7th, 8th, 9th

Operation A.I.M.S. (Adolescents Investigating Medical Sciences) is an immersive 4-day, 3-night residential summer program hosted on the campus of Arkansas State University. Participants will step into the role of "junior medical students," engaging in hands-on learning experiences at the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Nursing & Health Professions, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and other renowned institutions. The program emphasizes STEM concepts and provides interactive opportunities to explore various specialties within the medical arts, sciences, and professions.

Subject Area: Science, Health Sciences

Apply Here | Application Deadline: May 2, 2025

Learn more: https://sites.google.com/greatrivers.net/operationaims/home 

Music | July 14-18, 2025

Pop, Rock, & All That Jazz

Community School of the Arts | Commute to Fort Smith | Grade Levels: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

A one-week day camp that focuses on jazz, pop, and rock styles in vocal and instrumental music. Small and large group ensembles, private lessons, studio recording, and special break-out sessions in songwriting will all be part of this camp week with a concluding concert for all instrumental and vocal ensembles at the end of the week. Real world artists will lead the camp and offer workshops in music technology, how to succeed in music, and marketing yourself in the music scene. Students will have the opportunity to compose and record their own music in a state-of-the-art recording studio that is housed in the new Center for the Creative Arts facility where the camp will be held. Camp will explore important trends in the music industry and how young people can be ready!

Subject Area: Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Digital Music Technology

Apply Here | Application Deadline: July 8, 2025

Learn more: https://www.csafortsmith.org/jazz-camp

Science | June 8-14, 2025

Project C.A.V.E.S.

Deer/Mt. Judea School District | Residential in Protem, MO | Grade Levels: 10th,11th,12th

Project C.A.V.E.S. (Creative Adventures and Valuable Experiences through Spelunking) is a seven-day/six-night summer residential program that provides an authentic immersion in science for gifted high-school students. This program provides a unique life-changing experience involving in-depth curriculum and strategies that high-ability science students need. Activities will center on investigative studies in the areas of cave ecosystems, karst geology, bat populations, and hydrogeology.

Subject Area: Science

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 11, 2025

Learn more: https://www.oursc.k12.ar.us/page/project-caves

Science | July 20-August 3, 2025

Project Water & Wilderness: Plugged into Nature

Ozark Natural Science Center | Residential near Huntsville | Grade Levels: 10th, 11th, 12th

Project Water and Wilderness: Plugged into Nature will be held from July 20 - August 3, 2025 at Ozark Natural Science Center, an outdoor science education facility located deep in the Ozark Mountains. Students at Water & Wilderness unplug from electronic distractions and plug into the world of field biology where evolving technology and field science merge. Students accompany field scientists as they gather data and explore a variety of habitats in the Ozark Natural Division, including oak-hickory forests, glades, and beautiful Ozark streams and rivers. Field research is conducted in Bear Hollow Natural Area, owned and managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and in the surrounding 14,000-acre McIlroy-Madison County Wildlife Management Area, owned and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Students track reptiles using radio-telemetry, monitor bats acoustically, search for fish and benthic macroinvertebrate aquatic life in the pools and riffles of the War Eagle Creek and Kings River, examine the night sky, learn directly from university students and professional scientists about their research projects, and more. Field studies are complemented by an exposure to conservation literature, participation in Socratic Circle discussions of the writings of naturalists, and reflective journaling. Evening discussions on the ONSC deck allow students to share their thoughts and experiences with their peers. A capstone glade field study, canoe trips on local Ozark rivers, and an overnight camping trip are the highlights of this 2-week experience in nature.

Subject Area: Science

Apply Here | Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

Learn more: https://www.onsc.us/aegis

STEAM | July 14-18, 2025

Summer STEAM Academy

University of Central Arkansas | Commuter in Conway | Grade Levels: 7th, 8th, 9th

Summer STEAM Academy at UCA is a one-week commuter program for rising 7th-9th graders that will provide students with opportunities to explore the science of ecology and the visual arts in an integrated way that will deepen their understanding of the scientific process, introduce exciting art techniques, and enhance their ability to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively. Complementary scientific and artistic explorations will highlight the value of making detailed observations, centering on the subject area of ecology. Focusing on the natural world in Arkansas, students will observe, examine, and illuminate native Arkansas ecosystems and species (especially trees, birds, and freshwater microorganisms), extending their knowledge and creative skills beyond the typical school curriculum. Students will also gain participatory experience at the intersection of art and science, where they can develop an appreciation of the roles of observation and collaboration in approaching real-world problems. Each day, students will participate in two modules: Ecology and Art/Design. Both modules will emphasize effective communication in addition to content beyond the K-12 curriculum. To share their observations, students will design and construct a visual STEAM installation that contextualizes and reflects on Arkansas species and ecosystems.

Subject Area: Ecology, Art and Design

Apply Here | Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

Learn more: https://uca.edu/steminstitute/summer-steam-academy-at-uca/

Arts | June 14-21, 2025

SummerStage

TheatreSquared | Residential in Fayetteville | Grade Levels: 10th, 11th, 12th

SummerStage is an eight-day, full immersion residential program for rising 10th through 12th graders. The program is facilitated by TheatreSquared, an award-winning regional theatre company, and held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The program is designed to offer students a unique exposure to nontraditional methodologies of creating theatrical performance, placing them in the dual role of writer and performer. Students will work with professional playwrights, poets, directors, musicians, and actors to explore the process of creating a unique theatrical performance, working collaboratively as an ensemble to devise an original script that will be rehearsed for an end-of-session showcase.

Subject Area: Theatre

Apply Here | Application Deadline: April 18, 2025

Learn more: https://www.arsummerstage.org/