12/12/2013 lar
The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) at Fort Hays State University offers bright high school students the opportunity to attend college two years early. Adam Stenson, an Olathe Northwest High School and KAMS senior, showcases the success of the academy.

Between studying and researching, Stenson also makes time to be involved in various clubs and activities both on campus and in the Hays community. Stenson epitomizes this balance between school classes and campus involvement.

For the 2013-2014 school year, Stenson is the vice president of the Astronomy Club. "We run public observations here in Hays and at the Wetlands Center outside of Great Bend," said Stenson. "We set up the telescopes for a couple of hours and let people come and use them."

Stenson is also this year's coordinator of an area in FHSU's Forsyth Library set aside for students to "build and tinker on their research projects," said Stenson. Students may design experiments, research and print research posters in the MakerSpace.

Stenson and a group of students used the MakerSpace to complete a community project for their class, Global Challenges, taught by Dr. Shala Mills, chair of and professor in the Department of Political Science, "We helped 40 elementary school kids build Lego robots and rocket kits," said Stenson.

The MakerSpace is a collaborative effort between Forsyth Library and the Science and Mathematics Education Institute at FHSU.

Stenson is also this year's administrative assistant for the FHSU Honor Society.

"It is fantastic to be around these bright young minds to see them achieve and grow as individuals," said Ron Keller, director of KAMS.

About KAMS
KAMS is an early entry to college program that focuses in advanced mathematics and science. While studying at KAMS, students live on campus in the dorms with other KAMS students from across Kansas and around the world. Over the course of two years, students take 68 hours of college credit. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors, while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements.