Hiram College offers four summer academies

The programs help high school students develop talents in various fields.

HIRAM — Hiram College will offer four summer academies for high school students, offering programs in writing, biology research, leadership and theater.

All summer academies offer a residential experience and are free for participants.

Students must be nominated by a teacher or guidance counselor to be considered and interested students are advised to seek those nominations soon.

Space is limited and the application deadline is May 16 for the writing academy, which also requires a sample of the applicant’s writing. All other applications are due by May 23.

Most of the programs are targeted at students who will be high school seniors next year, although others may be accepted if space is available. The theater program is open to any high schooler.

The programs are:

SBltEmerging Writers Workshop in Creative Nonfiction: Promising young authors will develop their voice and hone their writing skills in the expanding genre of creative nonfiction. Students will work closely with Hiram faculty to create new work, revise existing pieces and use research creatively to enhance their writing. The workshop is June 20-22. The program accepts up to 20 students.

SBltThe Hiram Genomics Academy: The academy will involve young scientists in cutting-edge biological research where they learn and use microbiology, molecular biology and genomics concepts and skills. The objective of the academy is to excite students about scientific questions and encourage them to make research part of their college training. Session I is June 25-28 and session II is July 9-12. Up to 20 students are accepted for each session.

SBltThe High School Leadership Conference: This conference engages up-and-coming leaders in a variety of activities designed to expand comfort zones and foster leadership skills. Student leaders will participate in sessions on team building, creative problem solving, group dynamics, small group discussion, diversity education and a low-ropes course. The conference is July 18-20. The program accepts up to 50 students.

SBltHiram Institute of Theatre: This workshop will immerse students in the world of performance. Sessions will include movement, dance, vocal quality, improvisational technique and character study. The institute is July 23-26. Up to 20 students are accepted.

For information about any of the summer academies, visit the Web site at http://www.hiram.edu/summerathiram or contact Lisa Schneider at (330) 569-5986 or schneiderlh@hiram.edu.

Hiram, founded in 1850, is a liberal arts institution with a student body of 900, including students from 20 foreign countries.

Hiram’s academic calendar, known as the Hiram Plan, is unique to the nation. The College offers students one of the country’s oldest study abroad programs and more than 50 percent of Hiram students study in a foreign land during their four years on campus.