2026 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Operated by the National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy)

NYSCamp General Information and Instructions for Applicants 2026

National Youth Science Camp

The National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) has traditionally offered a residential science education programme, called the NYSCamp that honors and challenges 1 talented and promising STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] high school students from each state in the United States of America and others, from selected countries around the world, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Representatives of the NYSCamp will be provided with opportunities to engage with STEAM professionals and participate in exciting outdoor activities.

  → World-class lectures, directed studies, seminars, and meaningful fun

Learn more at 2026 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) – National Youth Science Academy
Dates of the NYSCamp

The 63rd annual NYSCamp is an in-person programme, starting from July 11 to August 1, 2026, which has been offered since 1963. All delegates are to be fully present [24/7] for over 3 full weeks of in-person camp.

Delegates will be expected to commit to attending camp and fill out delegate paperwork by May 1, 2026, or within 2 weeks of being notified that they have been selected to attend, otherwise, their spot may be given to an alternate from their state or another state.

You should submit your application days or weeks BEFORE the deadline. This will ensure that your recommender has sufficient time to upload their recommendation letter. Please be sure to also notify your recommender in advance.
Location of the NYSCamp

The NYSCamp will be held in Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Students will also travel to Washington, DC, to participate in a variety of activities.

The camp is located in the Monongahela National Forest, which is near the National Radio Quiet Zone, which means there is spotty mobile phone service. Please do not plan to take internships, online college classes, etc. during the NYSCamp as we are unable to provide the support needed to meet the deadlines of high-demand programs.

Cost The NYSCamp is offered to selected participants at NO COST – including meals, housing, and transportation – so that talented students may attend regardless of their financial ability.
Eligible Applicants

  • As a resident of Trinidad and Tobago, you must be 16, 17 or 18 years of age on July 1, 2026, have strong skills in spoken English, and be eligible for a J-1 Visa to enter the United States. Do not apply for a J1 Visa at this time; if selected, the U.S. Embassy in your country will provide assistance.
  • You must not have dual citizenship or US citizenship. You must have an existing and valid Trinidad and Tobago passport, or obtain one by the end of May 2026, or preferably earlier.
  • You must have documented superior academic proficiency, including recognition in mathematics or the sciences.
  • You must have documented leadership abilities and social maturity through involvement in school or community activities.
  • You must have documented skills and achievements outside the realm of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and outside the realm of academia.
  • You must demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore many and varied topics.
  • You must intend to pursue higher education and a career in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics related field.
  • You must be willing and able to participate in the entire NYSCamp program.
  • Proficiency in English is necessary, as the program is conducted in English. Proof of English proficiency is required to apply to the National Youth Science Camp. In the application form, please attach a copy of your TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, or CPE (or equivalent) test scores here; for more details or questions about English proficiency, please reach out to the selection coordinator via email with specific questions, as the measurement methodology may vary between countries.
  • Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or willing to test prior to traveling to camp. Official documentation of vaccination status will be requested to be submitted if selected to attend the NYSCamp to determine testing needs.
Application Criteria
  1. Your name and contact information
  2. The name(s) and contact information of your parent(s)/guardian(s)
  3. The name and contact information of your high school
  4. A letter of application
    In this letter of application, please address the following:
    1. Why do you want to attend the NYSCamp and what do you believe qualifies you to represent your location at the NYSCamp?
    2. Describe the learning environment and responsibilities that have shaped your academic journey. How have the opportunities and constraints around you influenced the way you pursue growth, challenge, and preparation for your next steps?
    3. How do you think attending the NYSCamp will benefit you and how does science benefit society as a whole?
    4. Anything else you think would benefit your application as a delegate.
    5. A digital pdf copy of your most recent high school transcript
    6. A digital pdf copy of your most recent resume [1. Work and Volunteer experience 2. Leadership Experience 3. Awards and Honors 4. Extracurricular Activities]
    7. The name and email address of someone you have already asked to write you a letter of recommendation [Please ensure that you notify your recommender in advance that they will be asked to upload a letter. In this field, please submit the name and email of an individual who will write you a letter of recommendation as part of your application. When you submit your application they will receive an automatic email requesting their letter of recommendation to be uploaded].
    8. International applicants must also provide evidence of English proficiency
Submission Instructions