OSU’s ISyTE camp offers high school students chance to explore information systems careers
Friday, March 6, 2015
The annual Information Systems Technology Exploration (ISyTE) Academy for high school students will be May 31 through June 5 on Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus.
Sponsored in part by ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, ISyTE is an activity-based, hands-on college experience designed for high school students interested in learning about the career opportunities that exist for those who earn degrees in Management Information Systems (MIS). The camp is free, with the corporate sponsors providing up to 25 scholarships for attendees.
The academy, entering its seventh year, is hosted by faculty and staff of the Management Science and Information Systems Department in the OSU Spears School of Business with support from the Center for Executive and Professional Development.
“The camp was great for people of all ages and experiences. It was beneficial to learn about college as well as a career in MIS,” said Joseph Allen, a student at Deer Creek High School and a participant of last year’s ISyTE Academy.
Participants have a busy six days. In addition to “living the college life” in the Spears School of Business Living Learning Community, students will build computers from scratch, network these computers, program them, learn about securing them (and their own personal information) and engage in other information technology activities. This would include game development, digital forensics, password cracking and other tasks that give participants a flavor of the many facets of career possibilities after earning an MIS degree.
As part of the overall experience, ISyTE campers will also visit traditional OSU hot spots around campus and throughout town. Team building at the OSU Camp Redlands ropes course starts the week, while the required visits to Eskimo Joe’s, the Hideaway and other campus eateries are part of the plan, as is a quick tour of Boone Pickens Stadium.
The last full day of camp includes field trips to Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, and perhaps other companies to experience a life in the day of the information systems professional, and ending with an evening of fun and frivolity at Incredible Pizza.
In addition to all these activities, there are workshops on preparing the students for college admittance and potential careers, lots of food, and even some time to enjoy the company of other campers. While there is a lot of information to be learned and technology to be explored, having fun is the name of the game.
To apply for the ISyTE summer camp, applications are available at the Center for Executive and Professional Development website (cepd.okstate.edu) and are due by April 3.
For more information or to register, visit cepd.okstate.edu or contact Beverly Bradley, program coordinator, at 405-744-8621 or 866-678-3933 or by email at bev.bradley@okstate.edu.