(BOISE) – Two outstanding students have been selected to represent Idaho at the prestigious National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp), to be held from June 29 to July 20.
Idaho will send delegates Geneva McClory, a senior at Moscow High School, and Anna Grace Aiello, a senior at Xavier Charter School in Twin Falls. They will join a cohort of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM)-focused high school students from across the country to collaborate with rising and leading STEAM professionals for extended learning at an all-expenses-paid residential camp, nestled in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
“Seeing young people lean into the doing part of science education is a major goal of any science instructor, and these two exemplify what it means to take learning by doing to the next level,” said Andrea Baerwald, who coordinates the program for the Idaho Department of Education. “Geneva and Anna Grace will get a chance to not only explore advanced concepts, but to get a glimpse of what taking STEAM beyond the classroom and into real life can look like.”
Each year, two students per state and from Washington D.C. are selected for the program based on overall academic performance, outstanding performance and achievements in STEAM program areas and their intention to pursue higher education and a career in a STEAM-related field.
McClory is excited for the opportunity to connect with so many who have similar passions for learning. “I’m super excited to be around so many science loving students and to explore amazing STEAM opportunities in West Virginia,” said McClory.
Aiello is also looking forward to a world-class learning opportunity and the opportunity to explore. “I’m so excited to pursue the interests I’ve developed, surrounded not only by experts and people trained in these fields, but by a group of peers who are just as curious as I am.”
The National Youth Science Camp has been hosted in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia since 1963. This residential STEAM program is designed to give STEAM-focused students a chance to engage with industry professionals and engage with a variety of in-depth, interactive activities. Delegates will also travel to Washington D.C. to meet with congressional members, tour museums and attend a panel discussion held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.