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

2020 National Youth Science Camp

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce applications are open for the 57^th annual 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 Monday, June 22, 2020, and depart on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

The completed application and supporting materials must be submitted online at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp/2020-national-youth-science-camp-application/ by Friday, February 28, 2020, at 6 p.m. EST [Note: Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2020 NYSC].

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

• Be a candidate for high school graduation between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020.
• Demonstrate superior academic proficiency, including recognition in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Demonstrate an application of leadership abilities and social maturity through involvement in school and community activities.
• Demonstrate skills and achievements outside the realm of STEM and outside academia.
• Demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore many and varied topics.
• Intend to pursue higher education and a career in a STEM-related field.
• Be willing and able to participate in the entire NYSC program.

Selection criteria include demonstrated achievement in STEM 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.

For more information about the NYSC program, please visit the NYSC website at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp/ or you may contact Dina Fong, Communications and Marketing Branch, at dfong@cde.ca.gov.

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

Sincerely,

State Superintendent of Public Instruction

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