Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and High School Principals:

2019 National Youth Science Camp

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce applications are open for the 2019 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) for high-achieving, science-oriented students.

Operated by the National Youth Science Foundation, the NYSC is a residential science education honors program for two graduating high school students from each state. The NYSC is offered at no cost to participants. All educational and recreational programming as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage on scheduled airlines are provided free of charge to the delegates.

The NYSC is held in the Monongahela National Forest near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia. Delegates arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, June 27, 2019, and depart on Saturday, July 20, 2019. More information is available on the NYSC website at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp/2023-nyscamp/.

The completed application and supporting materials must be submitted online at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp/2023-national-youth-science-camp-application/ by Wednesday, February 28, 2019, at 6 p.m. EST.

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant:

• Must be a candidate for high school graduation between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019.
• Must demonstrate superior academic proficiency, including recognition in mathematics and/or the sciences.
• Must demonstrate an application of leadership abilities and social maturity through involvement in school and community activities.
• Must demonstrate skills and achievements outside the realm of science and outside the realm of academic pursuits.
• Must demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore many and varied topics.

Selection criteria include demonstrated achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and participation in school and community activities, with leadership potential.

As part of the NYSC program, 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 expeditions into the Monongahela National Forest featuring backpacking, rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, and kayaking opportunities.

If you have any questions about the NYSC program, please contact Dina Fong, Communications Division at dfong@cde.ca.gov.

I encourage you to share this unique opportunity with your students.

Sincerely,

Tom Torlakson