The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is one of the nation's premier programs in secondary science education. Since its inception in 1963 as part of West Virginia's Centennial Celebration, the four-week summer program has offered educational forums and recreational activities that encourage the development of thoughtful scientific leadership.
Two students are chosen to represent each state as delegates to the National Youth Science Camp. Delegates attend the camp the summer after they graduate from high school and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities, and a genuine interest in the sciences. Delegates attend the National Youth Science Camp at no expense, transportation included. This has been true throughout the history of the camp so that students can attend regardless of their financial status.
The National Youth Science Camp offers hands-on small-group learning experiences, a provocative lecture series, and a challenging outdoor program. The hands-on experiences and lectures expose delegates to current work across the spectrum of scientific disciplines. Visiting scientists are invited based on their reputation as leaders in their fields and on their ability to share up-to-date research with the delegates. The atmosphere at the NYSC is engaging and supportive. Guests, staff, and delegates have time to relax and discuss ideas over meals or while on the hiking trail. Past guest speakers at the NYSC include Dr. Noel Hinners of Lockheed-Martin (a former deputy director of NASA), Dr. D.B. "Zoon" Nguyen of Northern Minnesota Radiation Oncology, Dr. Jill Morris of the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Vladimir Chaloupka of the physics department of the University of Washington.
Two Arkansas students will be selected to attend the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC), June 26-July 21, 2003, in the West Virginia Potomac Highlands.
High school graduates in spring 2003, who intend to pursue a career in science, mathematics, engineering, or medicine and are able to attend the full four-week camp are eligible to apply. Other application criteria are set forth in the attached document. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2003, to Bill Fulton, Arkansas State Department of Education Science Specialist.
For additional information contact Bill Fulton, Science Specialist, Room 107-A, Arkansas Dept. of Education, 4 State Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-4471, bfulton@arkedu.k12.ar.us or http://www.nysc.org.