Youth Science Leadership Institute
Youth Science Leadership Institute |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth Science Leadership Institute? The Youth Science Leadership Institute is a program operated by the National Youth Science Foundation. It is based upon the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC), a premier program in secondary science education. The Institute builds upon the more than 40 year history of the NYSC and offers educational forums and recreational activities that encourage the development of thoughtful and socially responsible scientific leadership on issues such as shared resources, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. How are the delegates selected? Students from throughout the democracies of the Western Hemisphere attend the Institute. Delegates attend the program late in high school, and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities, and a genuine interest in the sciences. Each country has its own competitive process to select delegates. How much does it cost to attend? Delegates attend the Youth Science Leadership Institute at no expense, transportation included. This has been true throughout the history of National Youth Science Foundation programs so that selectees can attend regardless of their financial status. What are the goals of the program? The Youth Science Leadership Institute honors, rewards, and encourages excellence in science. It creates an environment where young scientists of diverse backgrounds and interests may reap maximum benefits from interaction with one another and with visiting scientists. It strives to broaden, to inspire, and to encourage a sense of thoughtful scientific leadership among future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and health care professionals. How does the program accomplish its goals? The Youth Science Leadership Institute offers hands-on small-group learning experiences, a provocative lecture series, and a challenging outdoor program. The hands-on experiences and lectures expose delegates to current work across the spectrum of scientific disciplines. Visiting scientists are invited based on their reputation as leaders in their fields and on their ability to share up-to-date research with the delegates. The atmosphere at the Institute is engaging and supportive. Guests, staff, and delegates have time to relax and discuss ideas over meals or while on the hiking trail. The Youth Science Leadership Institute is held at a rustic camp near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands, close to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank and within the unique wilderness areas of the Monongahela National Forest. Because of the camp's location, delegates have the opportunity to visit such West Virginia landmarks as the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, and several other destinations. What happens on a typical day at the Institute? A typical day begins with a morning lecture from a guest scientist. After this, some groups of students leave to go on outdoor trips while the rest break up into small groups for their hands-on, small group science seminars facilitated by guest scientists or staff members. The afternoon is reserved for free-time activities such as optional seminars, athletic and recreational activities, art, and music. All program areas are open -- Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Applied Arts, Music, and the computer lab. While free time seminar topics can be scientific, they often depart from science and encompass the personal interests of delegates, staff, and guests. All activities challenge delegates to approach problems with creativity or to try something new. Activities range from fishing to philosophy, ballroom dancing to biological technologies. The atmosphere is purposefully informal. An evening science lecture follows dinner. What is the Institute outdoor program like? To reinforce and encourage well-rounded development, the Institute's scientific program is supplemented by a fun and challenging outdoor program. During the program, all delegates go on overnight outdoor trips which may include backpacking, rock climbing, caving, or science field experiences. Many of these activities are also offered on "day trips", making it possible for most delegates to try several different offerings. Why do the delegates fly to Washington, D.C.? Because the Youth Science Leadership Institute is only five hours from the nation's capital, delegates are able to take advantage of the area's extensive scientific and cultural offerings during their time in Washington. Delegates have the opportunity to tour some of the scientific sites and meet scientists and policymakers. Delegates also may spend some time in the capital's many museums, historic buildings, and monuments during the trip. Who should apply to the Institute? Potential delegates for the 2006 program should meet the following guidelines:
As a delegate, what should I bring to the Institute? A list of suggested clothing and equipment will be sent to each delegate. Is there any insurance coverage in place for the program? The National Youth Science Foundation carries accident and injury insurance for all participants in its programs. In addition, since the Youth Science Leadership Institute is funded by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, all participants are covered under the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). Details of that coverage can be found at http://exchanges.state.gov/aspe/. If you wish to purchase supplemental travel insurance, you may do so, but the National Youth Science Foundation does not require such insurance. How can I find out more about the program? Contact us with any questions you have about the program. What do I do if I or someone I know may be interested in lecturing at the Institute? If you or someone you know may be interested in being a lecturer at the Institute, please contact us.
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