More than two dozen of the brightest high school students in Missouri are gathering at Missouri State University over the next three weeks for inaugural session of the Innovation Academy.

Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo) was on hand earlier this week (left), to emphasize the importance of the Innovation Academy, which stresses not only innovation, but also creativity.  25 of Missouri's most exceptional high school students were selected to learn from college professors.

"It's a rather unique program, we blend high talent students and expose them to technology and business," explains Larry Summers, Asst. Professor or Management at MSU.

Over a three-week span, the students will also hear from guest speakers, help with case studies, and even go on field trips, to learn first-hand about innovation.

"That's a fascinating process, a piece of metal turns into an F-18. A broad range of experiences for them, to see how things are done. Seeing how things are really done, and in the evenings fun that students enjoy," says Summers.

It's that fun that helps these students forget that they're supposed to be on summer break.

"You have as much fun as you put into it. I'm meeting all new people," says Evan Melgren, a senior from Springfield's Central High.

"I'm more of an academic guy, I'm not into have a summer of messing around," says Zach Dampier, a junior at Parkview.

The students are staying on campus at Missouri State for all three weeks, and for some it's their first time away from home.

"It's fun. I'm not too far from home, if I forgot something she can drive down Sunshine and meet me," says Evan.

And, the students say, they're looking forward to learning from new teachers.

"It'll be interesting to see their perspective, they have more knowledge so their older," notes Zach.

"I consider it a neat opportunity, normally I'll have to pay for it, a chance to come here and learn from free is a good opportunity, and I'm glad to have it," Evan says.

And teachers at the academy seem to be equally excited.  "They seem to have more energy, freer in thought, they risk thought more than seniors I deal with," says Summers.

The Innovation Academy is funded through a grant from the Department of Education.