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

2025 National Youth Science Camp

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce applications are open for the 2025 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) for high-achieving, science-oriented students.

Hosted by the National Youth Science Academy, the NYSC is an annual residential science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program for high school students. It is designed to honor and challenge some of the nation’s rising leaders and provide them with opportunities to engage with STEAM professionals and participate in exciting outdoor activities. Typically, two delegates are selected to attend camp from each state and the District of Columbia. The NYSC is offered to the selected participants at no cost so talented students may attend regardless of their financial ability.

The 2025 NYSC will be held in person in West Virginia and Washington, DC, from July 10 to August 2, 2025. The NYSC is open to graduating seniors and also juniors. Selected delegates must commit to attending the full camp.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Graduating seniors must graduate from high school between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
• Rising seniors (current juniors) in high school must plan to graduate between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
• Documented superior academic proficiency, including recognition in STEAM.
• Documented leadership abilities and social maturity.
• Documented skills and achievements outside STEAM and academia.
• Demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore new topics.
• Intend to pursue higher education and a career in a STEAM-related field.
• Be willing and able to participate daily for the entire duration of the NYSC program.

The centerpiece of the NYSC is the keynote lecture series presented by prestigious STEAM professionals who are making a difference in their fields of study, as well as interactive seminars and multi-day mini-courses. Delegates will have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions and experiences with presenters and other participants.

The completed application and supporting materials must be submitted on the National Youth Science Academy NYSC Application (U.S. applicants) web page at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp/2024-national-youth-science-camp-application by 8:59 p.m. PST on February 28, 2025.

For more information about the NYSC program, please visit the National Youth Science Academy NYSC web page at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp, or if you have any questions, you may contact Dina Fong, Manager, Communications Division, at dfong@cde.ca.gov.

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

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction