[1] The establishment of this program stemmed from national concern regarding anticipated shortages of students who would be sufficiently well prepared in mathematical and scientific problem solving.

Recognizing that American youth would need to compete in an increasingly technological global society, Kansas is the 16th state to create alternative educational programs that would attract students to the fields of mathematics and science as well as offer young students an accelerated education in these areas of study.

Fort Hays State University, part of the Kansas Board of Regents system, was chosen to host the academy after an extensive bid process.

KAMS uses criteria such as ACT/SAT scores, cumulative GPA, class rank, teacher evaluations, personal interviews, essays, and short answer questions in its admissions process to select high school sophomores who are most likely to succeed in an academically challenging environment.

Work is completed throughout the rest of their KAMS experience culminating in a research paper and display presentation at the end of their senior year.

Professional staff live in residence with the students to supervise them while they are out of class, as well as provide developmental and social programming.