By Amber Vineyard Schoonover
For The National Youth Science Camp
Davis – The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) has proudly welcomed this year’s class of delegates from nearly 50 states, overseas military postings, and eight Western Hemisphere nations to the Mountain State.
Continuing its legacy of more than 60 years in youth leadership and education, the three-week flagship program of the National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) is a prestigious, fully-funded residential experience that honors and challenges rising young leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
The camp kicked off with activities in Washington, D.C., including an international diplomacy simulation hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). During their time in West Virginia, delegates stay at Camp Horseshoe in Pocahontas County and participate in advanced lectures and hands-on sessions taught by prominent STEAM professionals. In addition, participants have the opportunity to explore West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest through outdoor adventures, including backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, and caving.
The program’s impact is profound, with more than 50% of alumni earning a doctorate, and over 85% pursuing careers in STEAM fields, underscoring NYSCamp’s role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
“Each year, I’m amazed and impressed with the delegates, their passion for STEAM, and their dreams for the future,” said Kiona Y. Meade, NYSCamp Director. “Camp invites delegates to the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, while encouraging them to share unforgettable experiences, learn from leading experts, and make lifelong friends.”
For more information about the program, please visit nysacademy.org.
The National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to STEAM-focused educational programming. Its mission is to foster lifelong curiosity and passion for science through informal, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning. The NYSAcademy’s flagship program, the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp), is a fully-funded residential experience in the mountains of West Virginia, founded to invite the next generation of STEAM professionals and leaders to engage in outdoor adventures and a challenging curriculum led by industry and academic experts.
For more information, visit https://www.nysacademy.org.
