COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 8

January 27, 2004

ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE / SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	National Youth Science Camp

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is an intense month-long camp for young scientists the summer after they graduate from high school. In a rustic setting, students from around the country are challenged academically in exciting lectures and hands-on studies, and have many opportunities to push themselves physically in an extensive outdoor program, gain a new and deep appreciation for the great outdoors, and establish friendships that last a lifetime.

Two students are chosen to represent Virginia as delegates to the National Youth Science Camp. Eligible applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Must be candidates for high school graduation in the spring of 2004;
• Must be available to participate in the entire NYSC program (June 24 to July 19, 2004);
• Should intend to pursue a profession oriented toward science, mathematics, engineering, or medicine;
• Must demonstrate superior academic proficiency, including recognition in mathematics and/or the sciences;
• Must demonstrate an application of leadership abilities and social maturity through involvement in both school and community activities;
• Must demonstrate skills and achievements outside the realm of science and outside the realm of academic pursuits; and

Must demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore many and varied topics.

Further details about the National Youth Science program are available in Superintendents Memorandum, Informational, No. 16, dated January 23, 2004, located at: /administrators/superintendents_memos/2004/inf016.html, or at the National Youth Science Camp website, http://www.nysc.org/. The applications should be mailed to the following address, Virginia Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120 Richmond, VA 23218-2120, so they are received no later than February 27, 2004.

For further information, please contact Eric M. Rhoades, (erhoades@mail.vak12ed.edu), science specialist, office of secondary instruction, at (804) 225-2676.

PIW/EMR