National Youth Science Camp 2005 Program

(Santa Fe, NM)— Two New Mexico high school seniors will be selected for a month-long trip to West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands with all expenses paid. Each year in the summer following graduation, two New Mexico high school seniors interested in science attend an intense month-long camp for young scientists. Last year, Kylea Odenbach and Melissa Emery, both graduates of Rio Rancho High School, were the New Mexico delegates.

The New Mexico Academy of Science (NMAS) administers the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) program in New Mexico and the NYSC program pays all expenses for the students including airfare. In March, judges from the Academy of Science will select two New Mexico high school seniors to attend the science camp this summer based upon their academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities, and a genuine interest in the sciences. Dr. Richard E. Nygren, State Coordinator for NYSC and scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, said:

“Careers in science, engineering and technology are fun, rewarding and important in New Mexico’s economy. We must offer promising young science students opportunities to meet scientists and see for themselves the amazing breadth and excitement of today’s science.”

Students from around the country attend the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) in the wilderness of the Monongahela National Forest in the eastern mountains of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands. Visiting scientists are invited to the camp based on their reputation as leaders in their field(s) and on their ability to share up-to-date research with the students. Their exciting lectures and the hands-on experiences expose delegates to current work across the spectrum of scientific disciplines. Students have many opportunities to increase their appreciation for the great outdoors and push themselves physically in an extensive outdoor program. Many students establish friendships that last a lifetime. Dr. Richard Reif, Science Consultant in the New Mexico Public Education Department said:

“The science camp recognizes excellence in science and lets science students experience an environment of interaction with science and scientists. It is an inspiring capstone experience to their high school education.”

To apply, a student must send two copies of all application forms, letters of recommendation and transcript to Dr. Nygren at Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, Albuquerque, NM 87185, postmarked no later than March 15, 2005.

Information on the National Youth Science Camp is available on the web at www.nysc.org/NYSC2005.html. Applications for the New Mexico delegation must be postmarked by March 28. Inquiries about the program may also be addressed to Dr. Nygren.