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

2026 National Youth Science Camp

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce that applications are open for the 2026 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 selected participants at no cost so that talented students may attend regardless of their financial ability.

The 2026 NYSC will be held in person in West Virginia and Washington, DC, from July 11 to August 1, 2026. The NYSC is open to graduating seniors and rising seniors (current juniors). Selected delegates must commit to attending the full camp.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Graduates from high school between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027 (includes current juniors and seniors).
• Documented academic excellence and recognition in STEAM.
• Recognition for notable achievements in STEAM program areas as well as outside STEAM and academia.
• Must intend to pursue higher education and a career in a STEAM-related field.
• Demonstrate curiosity and an eagerness to explore new topics.
• Be willing and able to participate daily for the entire duration of the NYSC program.

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

Applications are submitted via the NYSC Online Application System web page at https://airtable.com/appMdxwg3qQE1IHlD/shr3BNM7WQD9ee4yr. The completed application and supporting materials must be submitted by March 30, 2026.

For more information about the NYSC program, please visit the National Youth Science Academy NYSC web page at https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp. Questions may be directed to 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

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