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

2021 National Youth Science Camp

The California Department of Education (CDE) would like to announce applications are open for the 58^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 to selected participants at no cost so that talented students may attend regardless of their financial ability.

The NYSC will be held virtually on Monday, June 28, to Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Even with the virtual nature of the camp, delegates are expected to participate daily in camp activities for the entire duration of camp.

The completed application and supporting materials must be submitted online at https://nysf.smapply.io/ by 6 p.m. EST on February 28, 2021.

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

• Be a candidate for high school graduation between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.
• 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 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.

For more information about the NYSC program, please visit the NYSC website at http://www.nysf.com/w/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