2026–2027 VIEWBOOK
The Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) and the Academy of Mathematics and Science (AMS) on the campus of Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
offers an unparalleled academic program for gifted and talented high school students, immersing them in a full college experience in which they’ll learn and live alongside like-minded peers. Established by legislative action from the Kansas Senate in 2006, KAMS enables exceptional 11th and 12th grade students to receive advanced education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Selected learners receive over 60 hours of college credit, a diploma from their sending school, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, civic engagement, and co-curricular activities. Recently, these Early College Programs (ECP) have increased curricular flexibility, allowing you to study what most inspires you. Why wait? Join a community of exceptional students and get a head-start on your future at KAMS!
Start your journey with us at FHSU.edu/KAMS
SCAN CODE TO APPLY
ECP will transform your interests into skills, preparing you for excellence wherever the future takes you. Located on the historic FHSU campus, you will
experience award-winning academics taught by Ph.D. faculty, who will challenge you academically in state-of-the-art facilities.
FHSU Facts 12,849
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
3,804
ON-CAMPUS ENROLLMENT
1 to 17
FACULTY-STUDENT RATIO
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KAMS Facts Campus Amenities: Student Wellness Center, athletic events, tutoring services, mental health counseling, health services
40 New spots available per year 80 students enrolled in the Academy per year Outgoing ACT composite scores improve an average of 5 Points Complete a Bachelor’s degree in 2 years
95% Program completion rate Average Incoming ACT: 26 Composite Average Outgooing ACT: 31 Composite
A CURRICULUM CREATED FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL Select a curriculum made just for you! Our curriculum pathways are designed to meet both your current academic abilities and high school graduation requirements. These individulized pathways will provide a roadmap to your future as a professional in the world of STEM.
Choose from courses within FHSU’s five, award-winning and innovative colleges: 2
∙ Science, Technology, and Mathematics ∙ Health Professions and Behavioral Sciences ∙ Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences ∙ Business & Entrepreneurship ∙ Education
To start building your tailormade, early college experience as a KAMS student, scan the QR code and see which curriculum pathway is best for you.
Along with countless other progessional disciplines, our past KAMS graduates have experienced
great success in the following areas: • Accounting • Agriculture • Applied Technology • Art and Design • Biology • Business • Chemistry • Computer Science • Dentistry • Education • Engineering • English • Finance
• Geosciences • History • Law • Marketing • Mathematics • Medicine • Music • Nursing • Pharmacy • Physics • Political Science • Psychology • Veterinary Medic
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Learn from
EXPERIENCE 4
We know that some of the most valuable lessons aren’t taught through lectures—so all KAMS students are asked to complete a hands-on research project with a Ph.D. faculty member from FHSU. The opportunity to conduct this level of research at such an early age will set you apart from traditional high school graduates and provide a unique learning experience. Whether it be programming a robot, studying cancer cells, or traveling on a research trip, you are encouraged to use your creativity to explore the world and get involved. “What drew me to KAMS was the desire to get a head start on coursework directly related to my fields of interest, along with the unique chance to dive into collegelevel STEM classes at Fort Hays State. Navigating a rigorous course load on campus gave me the foundation to excel in nursing school at Wichita State University and stand out for scholarships. Having that financial support gave me the flexibility and time to really explore different paths within healthcare and find the career fit that was right for me.. Today, I’m engaged to the boy who lived above my dorm in KAMS, still close to my best friends from KAMS (though many miles apart), wrapping up my BSN, working as a Nurse Intern in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Ascension Via Christi, and leading the first college-level HOSA chapter as President.. Kadrian Ayarza: KAMS 2023
My best advice for future KAMS students is to lean into the challenge, but lean on your community, too. Don’t be afraid to ask for support, get involved outside the classroom, and trust the process—the resilience you build here will set you up for success in everything that comes next!”.
KADRIAN AYARZA KAMS Class of 2023
“I decided to attend KAMS mainly to get a head start on earning college credits while
in high school. I did end up doing that, but I also gained so much more. From learning how to live independently with roommates to juggling college coursework with my extracurriculars, I was fully supported by the staff and professors throughout my time at KAMS. Thanks to the KAMS research requirement, I discovered how much I enjoyed doing math research, which led me to continue studying math in college. I ended up getting my B.S. in math, which only took two years thanks to the 57 credits I was able to transfer to my undergrad institution. I am currently working on my math Ph.D. at the University of Kansas, where I am a Madison and Lila Self Graduate Fellow. I could not have achieved any of these things without the background I obtained from KAMS. I would encourage future KAMS students to start collaborating with professors and other like-minded students early on. These relationships can last for a lifetime and be extremely valuable for both personal and career growth. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023 with a B.S. in math, and I am a fourth-year math Ph.D. student at the University of Kansas, and was the 2026 Completion Ceremony Speaker”
Sheena Zeng:KAMS 2020
SHEENA ZENG KAMS class of 2020
“When I decided to apply to KAMS, I was looking for a challenge to push me beyond what my high school could offer. KAMS gave me the opportunity to earn more than 100 college credit hours and gain confidence in my own personal abilities. The experience prepared me academically for engineering and taught me how to balance a busy college schedule with leadership, research, and extracurriculars. I am now attending Kansas State University to pursue an engineering degree, where the transition has been made much easier due to the foundation that KAMS had built for me. My advice to future KAMS students is to simply say yes to every opportunity that comes. Whether it be research, leadership, campus events, or even just trying something new. Some of my favorite and most rewarding experiences came from doing just that Gus Peine: KAMS 2026
and stepping outside of my comfort zone. To go along with this, just have fun. The two years will go by faster than you expect, and the friendships and memories you make are just as valuable as the classes you take. Believe in yourself and be confident in pursuing opportunities. The hard work is worth it, and the experience you gain at KAMS will open doors that may have seemed impossible before.”
GUS PEINE KAMS Class of 2026
The opportunity to attend KAMS was one I could not pass up - international research trips, the most robust course offerings available in Kansas, and living with like-minded peers. KAMS provided me with an advanced start to my education, allowed me to graduate several years before my class, and enter the workforce before law school. I am now in law school in Chicago, with 3 years of work experience, at the same age as my peers who have no professional experience. If I had to give you one piece of advice, it would be: bet on yourself. Growing up in rural Kansas, I was constantly searching for academic rigor. Before KAMS, I participated in several early college programs in NYC and Chicago, but was unaware Kansas had its very own program. When I found out that KAMS offered international research trips, on-campus living, and the tuition is covered - I was sold! KAMS offered me amazing friends, unparalleled 6
research experiences, and an opportunity to graduate debt-free. I am now starting law school in Chicago, and have several years of full-time work experience despite being the same age as my peers. This will make me a competitive applicant for career and internship opportunities. I would recommend KAMS to any student looking for more challenges in the classroom! Starting law school at 23 years old is typical. But starting law school, debt-free, at 23 years old with 3 years of full-time work experience is not, unless you are a KAMS graduate. KAMS graduates are years ahead of the curve - socially, academically, and professionally. While being surrounded by like-minded peers, you are provided with a plethora of opportunities to do international research trips, present graduate research, be published in academic journals, and function as a traditional college student. KAMS graduates are competitive applicants for any path they choose, and opens doors to paths that I would not have been able to pursue otherwise. If you aren’t sure about attending KAMS, apply and see what happens! I cried tears of joy when I got my acceptance, and that made my decision for me!
Addie Minnger, KAMS class of 2021 - Law School at Loyola Chicago
The opportunities available at KAMS were what drew me in most. The ability to start college early and participate in many amazing activities like research and volunteering has helped me reach places I once thought were far beyond my reach. Thanks to these opportunities at KAMS, I was accepted into the MIT class of 2030, where I will continue to grow and thrive. Academic opportunities aside, KAMS was an excellent opportunity for me to grow as a person, thanks to the friends I made, the wonderful staff, and the friendly professors. To future KAMS/AMS students, remember this: while academics are extremely important, college is about finding out who you are and what you want to do, so try to enjoy your college experience as much as you can.
William Mooney, KAMS class of 2026
Current Student
Testimonials People at AMS have been really friendly. That has made my time here enjoyable, and the academic atmosphere gives me extra motivation to study and understand what I’m learning. There’s plenty going on outside of class, too. I like that I can take my studies seriously and still have activities to look forward to. So far, life here has been good.”
“Success isn’t about getting the opportunity it’s about what you do with that opportunity.”
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Professors and Research Opportunities Paul Adams, Ph.D. in Science Education | Purdue University
Research: Science education, STEM teacher recruitment, Earth systems education, and public science outreach
Ifelayo Adefuye, Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine | Rutgers
Research: Cancer genomics and bioinformatics, focusing on glioblastoma and tumor immune interactions
Krisztina Z. Bencze, Ph.D. in Chemistry | University of Szeged
Research: Cellular iron regulation and biochemistry related to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases
Gary Brinker, Ph.D. in Applied Sociology | Baylor University
Research: Public policy, community dynamics, and quantitative analysis of social systems
Gordon S. Carlson, Ph.D. in New Media Communication | University of Illinois
Research: Digital media, generative AI, and technology-driven communication and education
Eric C. Deyo, Ph.D. in Physics | University of Washington
Research: Condensed matter physics, quantum theory, and student research in astrophysics and rocketry 8
Stephen Donnelly, Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry | University of Rochester Research: Atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and wildfire emissions
Julie You Du, Ph.D. in Economics | Temple University
Research: Health economics, household finance, and machine learning applications in economic modeling
Keith Dreiling, Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction | Kansas State University Research: Geometry, Mathematical Technology, History of Mathematics
Paul Flesher, Ph.D. in Mathematics | Kansas State University
Research: Graph theory, mathematical statistics, and discrete mathematical systems
Eric T. Gillock, Ph.D. in Microbiology | Kansas State University Research: Virology, microbiology, and antimicrobial research
Michael Gruenstaeudl, Ph.D. in Plant Biology | University of Texas at Austin Research: Plant genetics, bioinformatics, and evolutionary genomics
Anas Hourani, Ph.D. in Systems Science | Binghamton University
Research: Artificial intelligence, computer vision, and predictive data analytics
Jesse Jacobs, D.B.A. in Economics/Finance | Creighton University
Research: Business aviation economics, forecasting, and labor market analysis
Timothy Jones, Ph.D. in Chemical Education | University of Northern Colorado Research: Creating online and physical games to help learning
J.T. Lacy, Ph.D. in School Psychology | Stephen F. Austin State University Research: AI chatbots and simulations relevant to psychology
Craig Malsam, M.S. in Industrial Studies | Fort Hays State University
Research: Career and Technical Education (CTE), STEM curriculum, and teacher preparation
Brooke Mann, Ph.D. in Psychology | Texas A&M University-Commerce Research: ADHD, eating behaviors, mental health, and clinical psychology
Jack W. Maseberg, Ph.D. in Physics | University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Research: Experimental physics, astronomy, and student-led scientific research
Magdalene Moy, Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies | Drexel University Research: AI in education, digital learning, and instructional technology leadership
Carol Patrick, Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology | Southern Illinois University Research: Human development, trauma, and student well-being
Tara Phelps-Durr, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences | University of Missouri-Columbia Research: Plant genetics, CRISPR, and undergraduate biology research
Zach Pixler, M.S. in Instructional Technology | Fort Hays State University
Research: Instructional technology, robotics, manufacturing, and CTE education
Sam Schreyer, Ph.D. in Economics | Claremont Graduate University
Research: Macroeconomics, monetary policy, and regional economic impact
Linda Smith, M.A. in English | Fort Hays State University Research: Student retention, writing, and gifted education
Amanda Stinemetz, Ph.D. in Education | National University
Research: Secondary English education, dual enrollment, and language learning
Jeanne Sumrall, Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences | Mississippi State University Research: Geoscience education, environmental science, and water quality
Masakatsu Watanabe, Ph.D. in Chemistry | University of Pennsylvania Research: Physical chemistry and undergraduate laboratory research
Hongbiao Zeng, Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics | Wichita State University
Research: Number Theory, Algorithm, Computer Science teaching methodology and APP
Brett Zollinger, Ph.D. in Sociology | Utah State University
Research: Environmental sociology, public policy, and community research
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YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME You will make timeless friendships, share laughs and late-night study sessions, all while having a genuine college experience in FHSU’s Custer Hall. Here you will live amongst other high school-aged students from the Academy of Mathematics & Science (AMS), which hosts 11th and 12th graders from other states and countries. Custer Hall will quickly become your home away from home, where you’ll live and learn with exceptional peers, just like you!
CUSTER HALL PERKS 10
• High-Speed Internet • Card-Access Door Locks allow Custer Hall Access to Staff and ECP Students • Curfew Checks every night for added security • Professional Residence Hall Staff that live on-site • Kitchens on each floor • Game and Study Areas • Laundry Room
Leading a
Community Custer Hall Community Council The Custer Hall Community Council (CHCC) is a student-led group that empowers KAMS students to shape life in Custer Hall. Members plan events, lead initiatives, and represent their peers in communication to staff and university leadership. From movie nights to service projects, CHCC fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where students can build leadership skills, form lasting friendships, and make a meaningful impact.
Parent Booster Club The KAMS Parent Booster Club is a supportive network of parents and guardians who help enhance the student experience. From care packages and event support to scholarships and program improvements, the club plays a key role in building community and staying connected. It’s a great way for families to stay involved and make a lasting impact.
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FHSU Clubs/Activities 120+ Student Organizations 300+ Intramural Activities FHSU Bands & Orchestra FHSU Chorus FHSU Sporting Events
Competitions 12
First Robotics Competition Math Madness & AMC And many more...
First Robotics Competition (FRC) Sports in KAMS – SB114 “On April 7th, 2025, Senate Bill 114 was signed into law extending the opportunity to compete in KSHAA sanctioned events such as sports, scholar’s bowl, music, debate, and many other activities typical of a Kansas high school. Competing with Hays High, students have already participated in Track & Field events. This makes Track & Field the first KSHSAA sanctioned event to have a KAMS student compete.
FRC is an international high school robotics program. Join our team, Team 9551 “Tiger,” to learn more about STEM while developing technical and interpersonal skills.
At the Early College Programs at FHSU, you’ll have opportunities to grow beyond academics, connecting to others who share your passions.
Community Activities A wide variety of fun and engaging community events go on throughout the year to help students relax, connect, and make lasting memories. From Super Bowl watch parties and movie nights to water balloon fights and themed holiday celebrations, there’s always something happening on campus. These events foster a strong sense of community, encourage friendships, and provide a healthy balance to the academic rigor of the program.
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Domestic & International Trips ECP offers unique travel experiences that broaden students’ academic and cultural horizons. Domestic trips include visits to national parks, STEM conferences, and fun tourist spots, giving students hands-on exposure to a world bigger than their own. International opportunities allow students to explore global perspectives through educational travel, blending cultural immersion with STEM-focused learning. These trips are designed to inspire curiosity, build global awareness, and connect students with real-world applications of their studies.
College & University Acceptance
Colleges with Bold text indicate US NEWS & World Report’s 2024 ”Top 50” universities in the United States. Boston University (Boston, MA)
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San Diego, Santa Barbara
California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA)
University of Canterbury (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
University of Colorado (Boulder, CO)
Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen, China)
University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
Columbia University (New York City, NY)
University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS)
(Urbana & Champaign, IL)
Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Hong Kong University (Hong Kong)
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul)
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
King’s College (London, UK)
University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Boston, MA)
University of Rochester (Monroe, NY)
Massey University (Palmerston North, New Zealand)
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
University of Texas, Austin (Austin, TX)
New York University-Abu Dhabi, Shanghai
University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Northeastern University (Boston, MA)
University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY)
Washington University (St. Louis, MO)
Rice University (Houston, TX)
Wichita State University (Wichita, KS)
Rutgers University (Piscataway, NJ) Singapore University of Technology & Design (Singapore) Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) University of British Columbia-Okanagan (Vancouver, Canada) University of California, Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles,
This list showcases college that KAMS/AMS alumni have been admitted to in the past 5 years, schools that alumni have been admitted to that are featured on the most recent U.S. News and World Report Top 50 Best Colleges list, and other colleges that KAMS/AMS alumni have been admitted to that are important to note.
Awards Ceremony & Completion Ceremony
At the Early College Programs, we proudly recognize our students’ academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth each year during two signature events: Awards Night and Completion Ceremony. Awards Night honors outstanding achievements in STEM
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coursework, research, service, and community involvement. The Completion Ceremony marks the culmination of each Senior student’s transformative journey at ECP, celebrating their accomplishments and preparing them for the next chapter in college and beyond. These events showcase the dedication, passion, and potential of every ECP student.
ECP Class of 2026
35 Graduated Seniors
Top 95th Percentile in ACT
(students attending high school in KS):
If you are a Kansas resident, your tuition and fees are covered by the state of Kansas! Kansas public school students are additionally loaned books and a personal computer free of charge.
ROOM AND BOARD COST
Cost includes an open access meal plan of $9,725. KAMS students cannot qualify for federal financial aid due to their high school student status. KAMS provides options to assist domestic students with the financial obligations of the program. 16
SCHOLARSHIPS
KAMS Scholarship—Need-based, non-renewable scholarship for incoming and returning KAMS students. Need-based, non-renewable scholarship available to incoming and returning KAMS students. To apply, please visit FHSU.edu/kams. • Deadline: May 1
COST SAVINGS
KAMS program completers can expect to save $18,000-$150,000 in tuition and fees (depending on selected college). KAMS program completers automatically qualify for $8,000 over 2 years to stay at FHSU to complete their undergraduate degree! 2025 KAMS program completers were offered over $2.5 million in scholarship money.
(domestic students from outside of KS and international students):
If you are an international or out-of-state student, you will have to pay the same fees that traditional students would including things such as books, tuition, and housing. (Fees upon request)
APPLICATION & ADMISSION INFO Admission to KAMS/AMS is evaluated holistically. We are looking for exceptional students who are academically talented, mature, motivated, and ready to embrace their future. To download a copy of the application packet, visit FHSU.edu/kams.
KAMS Admission Requirements: • Must have completed 10th grade of high school • Complete high school Algebra II and Geometry • Receive a composite ACT score of 23 or 1150 composite SAT score • Good standing; cumulative GPA • Student Essay; Short answers • Teacher, counselor, parent, and mentor evaluations
How To Prepare For KAMS:
• Visit with your high school counselor to discuss completing high school specific credits for graduation before attending KAMS, such as physical education, history, and/or foreign language classes • Attend a KAMS information session or webinar to learn more about KAMS. • Visit campus. The best way to discover if KAMS is the right fit is to see it yourself. Sign up for Preview Day or a personalized campus visit by visiting the KAMS website (QR Code Below).
Admission Timeline:
The suggested deadline for application during your 10th grade year is April 1st. Applications are accepted after this date until all 40 new student slots are filled. We also offer an early admission opportunity for 9th graders.
AMS Admission Requirements:
• Must have completed the 10th grade of high school • Complete high school Algebra II and Geometry • English Proficiency Scores (International Students Only): • TOEFL iBT: 4.0 • TOEFL iBT: 78 • IELTS: 6.0 • iTEP: 3.8 • Duolingo: 95 • Interview with the AMS Director set up through an agent • Student Essay (recommended) • Honors and Awards (Recommended)
How To Prepare For AMS:
• Find an educational agency in your area to work with. Approved agencies can be found at FHSU.edu/ams. (International Students Only) • Apply for and schedule a VISA interview by June 1st before your arrival. (International Students Only) • Take the TOEFL exam by the end of the fall semester of your 10th-grade year. (International Students Only)
Schedule Visit Here!
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10 things to ask the
Early College Program Staff What is the total cost of the program? What scholarships and aid are available? What opportunities for research will I have? How do KAMS/AMS graduates do with college acceptance, scholarships, and graduate school opportunities? What clubs and organizations are available? What residence hall options do I have as a KAMS/AMS student? What do Tigers do for fun in Hays? Who teaches the classes I will take? What would my four semesters look like if I studied here?
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How can ECP staff help me adjust to life away from home?
4 reasons to schedule
your campus visit today Meet current students face-to-face and attend a class with them. See a room in Custer Hall. Tour campus and see yourself here. Meet with ECP staff to answer questions about cost, scholarships, academics, activities, and ways to get involved on campus.
CONTACT INFO Early College Programs KAMS / AMS Fort Hays State University 600 Park St. Hays, KS 67601
Phone: 785-628-4690 Email: kams@fhsu.edu / ams@fhsu.edu FHSU.edu/kams
Director | Jon Granberry j_granberry@fhsu.edu 785-628-4573
Assistant Director | Dr. Andrea Moreland armoreland@fhsu.edu 785-628-4709
Fiscal and Business Specialist | Marcy Bleske
mlbleske@fhsu.edu 785-628-5973
Activities Coordinator | Ryan Will rmwill2@fhsu.edu 785-628-4168
Coordinator for Marketing and Recruitment | Jonny Lang kams@fhsu.edu 785-628-4719
Mental Health Liaison | Katherine Hadley kshadley2@fhsu.edu 785-628-4401
Administrative Specialist | Angela Moore ammoore7@fhsu.edu 785-628-4690
Graduate Assistant | Kayla Satomi kasatomi2@mail.fhsu.edu 785-628-4690