National Youth Science Camp

Residential camp experience; free to participate
​Application deadline extended: April 3, 2018

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is a residential science education program that honors and challenges two graduating high school science students from each state.  
 
Scientists from across the nation present lectures and hands-on science seminars and linger to interact informally with student delegates.  Delegates are challenged to explore new areas in the biological and physical sciences, art, and music with resident staff members.  Opportunities are provided for delegates to present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research.  
 
A visit to Washington D.C. permits delegates to visit some of the nation’s premier scientific, governmental, and cultural facilities.  The NYSC experience includes overnight excursions into the Monongahela National Forest featuring backpacking, rock-climbing, caving, mountain biking, and kayaking opportunities.  
 
Delegates are required to participate in the camp program (June 14 - July 8, 2017) for its entirety as the fast-paced activities and remote location make travel to and from the NYSC very difficult.  More information is available online at www.nysc.org.

​National Youth Science Camp
Quick Links

• Apply to attend the National Youth Science Camp – http://apply.nysc.org
  • Applications for the 2018 National Youth Science Camp are open and end on February 28, 2018. Deadline to apply is February 28, 2018. (Extended to April 3)
  • Dates of the 2018 National Youth Science Camp are planned for June 27 – July 21, 2018.
    
  • Students/Residents from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago may participate. Go to http://apply.nysc.orgfor additional information, requirements and steps to be considered.
• Frequently Asked Questions about the NYSCamp
  

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a residential science education program for young STEM enthusiasts the summer after they graduate from high school. Students from around the country (two are selected to represent each state and Washington, D.C.) are challenged academically in exciting lectures and hands-on studies, and have voluntary opportunities to participate in an outdoor adventure program, gain a new and deep appreciation for the great outdoors, and establish friendships that last a lifetime.

Goals:

• Inspire lifelong engagement and ethical leadership in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields among delegates, who possess recognized high potential for follow-through and success.
• Provide engaged learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related professions that extend and enhance the traditional K-12 school curriculum.
• Develop a robust network among delegates, members of the program staff, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals reinforced through community and shared experiences.
• Develop at a particularly prescient time in participants’ developmental preparation for careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related professions an increased awareness and understanding of current education, research, and career opportunities they might pursue.
• Create a safe environment for expanding delegates’ comfort zones with scientific and cultural aspects of the natural world through outdoor adventure activities including backpacking, mountain biking, spelunking, and rock-climbing.

The National Youth Science Camp is made possible through the planning and fund-raising of the National Youth Science Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to honor, sustain, and encourage youth interest and excellence in science by conducting comprehensive informal science education programs that provide opportunity for constructive interaction with others and emphasize the social value of thoughtful scientific careers.

The National Youth Science Camp program is strengthened through a philosophy that encourages delegates to experience each day by day. This philosophy permits the Staph* to plan numerous special events that surprise the participants. This philosophy also encourages the delegates to give undistracted attention to guest presenters. The National Youth Science Camp does not, therefore, publish detailed program calendars.
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* Not misspelled; this is a traditional NYSCamp spelling to highlight their infectious enthusiasm