Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--More than 60 high school students from around the state are participants in the 2005 BOSS Camp at Mississippi State.
Thirty-four participants are involved in the second of two four-day residential sessions at the Business Opportunities for Success School that concludes Friday [July 8]. The first camp last week enrolled 27.
Organized by the university's College of Business and Industry and its department of finance and economics, the camps are supported by the U.S. Department of Education through the GEAR UP Mississippi college preparatory partnership. The collaboration involves the State Institutions of Higher Learning, Department of Education, Board for Community and Junior Colleges, and various community partners.
Finance and economics department head Paul Grimes, coordinator of the MSU program, said the annual summer program has two primary goals.
"First, it is designed to provide students from disadvantaged school districts with an understanding of how modern businesses function and what personal characteristics, education and habits are required for a successful business career," he said.
"Secondly, we seek to provide them with experiences typical of life on a university campus while encouraging their further pursuit of higher education," he added.
In addition to classroom and laboratory activities, each camp includes a major field trip.
"Last week, we visited the Nissan plant near Canton," Grimes said. "This Thursday [the 7th], it's the Federal Reserve Bank in Birmingham."
Grimes said a variety of counselors oversee all camp activities, including nine business college faculty members, two high school teachers and three MSU graduate students.
NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For additional information, contact Dr. Grimes at (662) 325-1987 or pwg1@ra.msstate.edu.