(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today they are inviting graduating seniors to apply to be a delegate to the 2013 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). Two seniors from across the state will receive a full scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds at the camp, which will be held next summer in West Virginia. Students may nominate themselves or may be nominated by school administrators, teachers or parents to attend the three-week camp, which includes lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the nation, overnight camping in the Monogahela National Forest, and a visit to Washington, D.C. Delegates must demonstrate academic achievement in science and potential for thoughtful scientific leadership.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience is possible thanks to generous contributions to the National Youth Science Foundation. Educational and recreational programming, as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage are provided to delegates free of charge. The camp will be held near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest. The 2013 camp dates are June 26 to July 20.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for two young Iowans to learn about different scientific disciplines and leadership along with delegates from other states," said Branstad. "The camp recognizes the excellence that participants have already demonstrated, and their potential."
"In keeping with the goal of the Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Council, the National Youth Science Camp is a great way to engage more students in science and to inspire them to become future scientists, engineers and mathematicians," said Reynolds, who is co-chair of the council, along with University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen. "I hope many Iowa students will express interest in participating."
Application forms are available at http://2013.nysc.org/ and must be submitted directly to the Iowa Academy of Science as follows: Attention Marcy Seavey, NYSC, Iowa Academy of Science; 2607 Campus Street; Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0508.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 15. A selection committee from the Iowa Academy of Science and the Iowa Department of Education will review applications and select Iowa's two National Youth Science Camp delegates and up to four alternates. Delegates and alternates will be honored by Iowa's scientific community at the 125th Annual Meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science at Simpson College on Friday, April 19.
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