08/06/12 kb

HAYS, Kan. -- As the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science prepares to begin its fourth year at Fort Hays State University, academy staff are also preparing to travel around the state recruiting for the fifth year.

A letter from KAMS Director Ron Keller recently went out to all Kansas high school sophomores, inviting them to attend one of the free informational sessions scheduled for August.

Students who complete KAMS receive a high school diploma from their high school and receive a minimum of 68 hours of college credit from FHSU. Tuition, fees and books for 68 credit hours at KAMS are free for students attending a Kansas public high school.

Six sessions have been scheduled so far:

Bonner Springs, Aug. 12, 2 p.m.

Bonner Springs City Library
201 N. Nettleton Ave.

Topeka, Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
1515 SW 10th Ave.

Parsons, Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Parsons Public Library
311 S. 17th St.

Wichita, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.

Wichita Public Library, Alford Location
3447 S. Meridian

Salina, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.

Salina Public Library
301 W. Elm St.

Hays, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.

FHSU Memorial Union, Pioneer Room
600 Park St.

The sessions are free, and students who are beginning the seventh grade through sophomore year in high school are encouraged to attend. Space is limited, so the academy asks that parents RSVP by going to the website, www.fhsu.edu/kams/meetings, or by calling 785-628-4690.

Informational sessions will also be scheduled for Garden City, Colby, Manhattan and Emporia. Those times will be posted on the meetings page of the KAMS website, www.fhsu.edu/kams/meetings, when dates, times and places have been confirmed.

Students and their parents can also schedule individual visits by contacting the office at 785-628-4690.

KAMS is the state's premier early-entry-to-college program for high school juniors and seniors, focusing on strong academics, hands-on research opportunities, a vibrant on-campus living community, and leadership opportunities. Students in the Academy stay enrolled in their high school but live on the FHSU campus and take college courses to complete their last two years of high school.