State of Arkansas (Arkansas Governor's School at Arkansas Tech University)
Arkansas Governor's School (free summer program for rising seniors)
A free four-week summer program at Arkansas Tech for top rising seniors, in one of nine areas from math and science to music, drama and visual arts. Private school and homeschooled juniors can be nominated.
- Amount
- Free: the state pays tuition, room, board and materials
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Yes, a for-profit school can apply
- Deadline
- Feb 1, 2027 (119 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · Microschool · Homeschool co‑opFor Arkansas juniors at public or private high schools or who are homeschooled. Homeschooled students can be nominated by a parent.
- New schools
- Brand-new schools can apply
- Where
- Arkansas only
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026on atu.edu
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Who nominates a student at a microschool that isn't a recognized private school: the microschool, or the parent as a homeschooler? Ask AGS (ags@atu.edu).
What to do now
- Step 1: Check that the student is an Arkansas junior who will return for senior year
- Step 2: Private school: ask the counselor or gifted coordinator to nominate. Homeschool: the parent nominates, following the school nomination instructions
- Step 3: Watch for the email from AGS with the application link (opens October 19, 2026)
- Step 4: Submit the application by February 1, 2027, and make sure recommendations, school forms and the transcript arrive by February 8, 2027
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Only students who are residents of Arkansas and who are presently in junior classes at a public or private high school or are homeschooled…”
This is a program for students, so the school's tax status doesn't matter. Private school students are nominated by a school counselor or gifted and talented coordinator; “Homeschooled students may be nominated by their parents.” Students get one chance, in their junior year, and must commit to the whole four weeks. A state committee picks 400 students each summer. Families pay only for travel and personal spending.
- Arkansas resident in 11th grade, returning for senior year
- Nominated by the school (or by a parent for homeschoolers)
- Application with essays, a teacher recommendation and a transcript; audition video for arts areas
- Attend the full four-week session
Timing
Nominations and applications open October 19, 2026. Student applications are due February 1, 2027; recommendations, school forms and transcripts are due February 8, 2027. Results go out the week of March 29, 2027. The page lists the session as Monday, July 5 to Sunday, August 1.