RADFORD -- Radford University’s College of Science and Technology invites rising sophomore, junior and senior high school women interested in mathematics, information technology and science to participate in RU’s Summer Bridge Program 2009.

Summer Bridge Program 2009 is a weeklong academic residential camp that runs from Sunday, July 12, through Friday, July 17, and is hosted by RU’s College of Science and Technology.

“The Summer Bridge Program 2009 is a wonderful opportunity for young women to explore the sciences, math and technology in a hands-on environment with our expert faculty mentors," says Orion Rogers, Dean of the College of Science and Technology. “Class topics such as codebreaking, forensic anthropology, virtual communities and biotechnology will offer students a chance to learn about these disciplines while having fun along the way.”

During Summer Bridge 2009, students will learn about breaking secret codes using mathematical techniques, analyzing food to determine if it contains DNA from genetically modified organisms, using archaeological techniques to investigate mock crime scenes and exploring the technological and social aspects of creating online communities.

The program’s goal is to introduce female high school students to future educational and professional opportunities available to them in the mathematics, science and information technology fields.

Dominion Foundation Summer Bridge 2009 scholarships are available for a total of 31 students in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise counties. Selected students will be offered free tuition, room and board during the week-long residential camp.

Polymer Solutions Summer Bridge 2009 scholarships are available for two students in the New River Valley region. Those selected students will be offered free tuition, room and board during the weeklong residential camp.

A Novozymes Biologicals Inc. Summer Bridge 2009 scholarship is available for one student in the Roanoke Valley region including Roanoke County and the cities of Roanoke and Salem. The chosen student will be offered free tuition, room and board during the camp.

For an admissions application and more information about Summer Bridge 2009, visit http://www.radford.edu/~bridge or email abrown238@radford.edu.

Application requirements include completed admissions application form, essay by the prospective student describing her interest in the math, science or information technology field and a letter of recommendation by a counselor, teacher or adult leader.