CSM Hosts Annual Summer Academy

College of Saint Mary hosted its annual Summer Academy for young women of color June 4-9. This year’s theme was BeYouTiful: Mind, Body, Soul.

The weeklong opportunity invited high school girls to campus for a real-life college experience and to participate in Omaha’s rich culture. The students learned from a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) curriculum.

Twenty-one students participated in activities, including determining their blood type; creating a physical diagram of the human body; visiting Beauty View Farm, where they learned how cows are milked; having a professional dinner with CSM alumnae; completing a workshop on intersectionality; creating jars of sunshine and inspiration cards for Open Door Mission; and attending a performance of “Hairspray” at the Orpheum. They also got to know each other.

“The best part of my job is seeing young women grow into better versions of themselves, and I saw that even in the short timeframe we had together,” said Marisa Mathews, director of student leadership and inclusive programming, who co-chaired the Summer Academy committee. “During the graduation ceremony, I looked around and saw parents beaming with pride and students taking pictures with their newfound friends and promising to stay in touch. To me, that was the mark of a successful week. These girls now have new friends, new ideas about college and a new perspective on taking the leap of faith required to sign up for the Summer Academy and put yourself out there.”

The students learned about scholarship opportunities at CSM, including the Marie Curie Scholarship, which provides up to $80,000 and resources for young women majoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or human biology.

Each participant received a stackable $500 scholarship to CSM for every year of Summer Academy they attend.