EMU: Press Releases

May 18, 2005
CONTACT: Carol Anderson 734.487.4400
carol.anderson@emich.edu

High school students fly the skies, check out a crime scene, participate in a mock trial and explore career possibilities at EMU's Summerquest

YPSILANTI - Blood splatters, fingerprints, drugs and hair are analyzed weekly by actors on the television show, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and now 23 high school students can take a stab at it.

These area high school students are among the more than 80 students who will participate in Eastern Michigan University's Summerquest 2005, a learning and exploration program for students in grades 10-12. The one-week programs, June 19-25, include aviation, crime scene investigation, health careers, pre-law, and technology and African-American studies. The two-week programs, forensics (debate) and theatre, run June 19-July 1. All Summerquest activities are on EMU's main campus.

"Summerquest is a vehicle for students to reach goals and dreams while experiencing the strengths of EMU as an institution and the commitment of its faculty as teachers and mentors," said JoAnna DeCamp, director of non-credit programs at EMU's Continuing Education Department.

The Summerquest programs are:

Aviation . Students will learn to fly one of EMU's Cessna 172s and use a flight simulator. They'll visit a corporate flight operation, an aircraft maintenance-training center and local aviation-related businesses.
Crime Scene Investigation . Participants use forensic chemistry to conduct CSI experiments using mock crime scenes and investigate simulated crime scenes using chemistry, physics and biology.
Health Careers . Students participate in a mock disaster, take field trips to local hospitals and earn first-aid and CPR certification. They'll observe doctors, nurses, social workers, X-ray technicians, massage therapists, and occupational and physical therapists.
Pre - Law . Students practice mock trial exercises, visit local courtrooms and take mini-courses in American government and politics.
Technology and African-American Studies . Students build a Web site, create and deliver a PowerPoint presentation, and will visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History in Detroit and the New Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati.
Forensics . Participants receive one-on-one coaching and professional guidance in public address, interpretation and skills on how to compete and win in forensics competitions.
Theatre . Students take classes in acting, musical theatre performance, voice and movement, improvisation, technical design and production.

"Students come away with a real sense of the academic and professional careers and how to achieve them," said DeCamp.

Local students as well as those from as far away as California, have registered for Summerquest, said Tracy Rich, administrative assistant with EMU's Summerquest.

Summerquest, now in its fourth year, has expanded each year to include new programs and additional students. Initially, Summerquest offered only theatre and forensics. This year seven programs are on the schedule.

EMU faculty and high school educators teach the students, who experience college life as they live and eat on campus for the duration of the program.

Enrollment is limited. One-week programs are $495, except aviation, which is $1,495. The two-week courses are $895.

For more information, contact EMU's Rich at 734.487.0442.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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