2027 NYSCamp Announcement

The application period for the 2027 National Youth Science Camp will open in early 2027. Not every location will necessarily have the same due date, so please check back often for updated information. If you have any questions, please email your state selection coordinator or nyscamp@nysacademy.org.

2027 NYSCamp Overview

The 2027 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) will take place from early July to early August 2027. Exact dates will be posted soon.

Once selected, delegates must confirm their spot. Selected delegates will need to commit to attending the full camp and submit their delegate paperwork shortly after being informed of their selection, typically within two weeks. If a delegate doesn’t confirm in time, their spot may be offered to an alternate from their state or another state.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Applicants

  • Graduates from high school between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2028.
  • Documented superior academic proficiency, including recognition in STEAM.
  • Recognition for notable achievements in STEAM program areas.
  • Skills and achievements outside of STEAM and academia.
  • Must demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore new topics.
  • Must intend to pursue higher education and a career in a STEAM-related field.
  • Must be willing and able to participate daily for the entire duration of the NYSCamp program.
  • 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.

International applicants, please check your eligibility to apply and find application instructions for eligible countries by visiting our U.S. State Department Contact page.

Application Instructions for U.S. Applicants

Florida, Georgia, and Massachusetts select delegates through their state science fairs; Montana will choose one delegate through the state science fair and the other through the online application process. If you are from one of these states, please contact your state’s selection coordinator for additional information. Delegates from the remaining 46 states and Washington D.C. please follow the instructions below to prepare and submit your application for the 2027 NYSCamp.

The NYSCamp application must be submitted all at once; please have the following information ready before you begin filling out the application:
1. Your name and contact information
2. The name(s) and contact information of your guardian(s)
3. The name, address, and phone number of your high school
4. A letter of interest in PDF form (approximately 500 – 1000 words, written by the applicant – no use of Generative AI is allowed), which includes:

  • Why do you want to attend the NYSCamp and what do you believe qualifies you to represent your location at the NYSCamp?
  • 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?
  • How do you think attending the NYSCamp will benefit you and how does science benefit society as a whole?
  • Anything else you think would benefit your application as a delegate.

5. A PDF copy of your most recent resume, which includes:

  • Your work and volunteer experience
  • Your leadership experience
  • Your awards and honors
  • Your extracurricular activities

6. A PDF copy of your most recent high school transcript
7. Separately list the following:

  • Your current cumulative high school GPA (weighted and unweighted if applicable)
  • The STEAM, Honors, and AP Classes you have taken or are enrolled in

8. The name and email address of someone you have already asked to write you a letter of recommendation.

Please note: Once you submit your application, the system will automatically email the individual listed as the recommender requesting they upload the letter of recommendation to your application. We encourage you to submit your application with enough time for your recommender to be able to add the letter before the deadline.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Instructions for International Applicants

In recent years the Office of Cultural and Educational Affairs at the United States Department of State has sponsored delegates from select nations in the Americas. The State Department selects these nations, and the selection coordinators choose delegates at the U.S. Embassy in each nation. Thus, each country processes applications differently. Please visit the National Youth Science Camp Application (International Applicants) page to learn more information. Reach out to your State Department contact with any questions.

The countries selected to send delegates to the 2027 National Youth Science Camp are chosen by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and will be announced as soon as they are finalized. Applicants must:

  • If you are a resident of one of the countries selected to send delegates (noted above), then you must be 16, 17 or 18 years of age on July 1, 2027, 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 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.

Delegate Selection

Delegates are selected by volunteer selection coordinators in each state, who recruit reviewers and guide the selection process. International delegates are selected through the U.S. Embassy in their nation.

Most U.S. applicants will hear from their State Selection Coordinator about their selection status in the spring of 2027. Selected delegates will then receive an official invitation from the National Youth Science Camp, along with everything they need to confirm their spot and complete their delegate paperwork.

Delegate Participation

Since selection to attend camp is a very competitive process with only two delegates guaranteed a spot from each state or nation, we expect NYSCamp delegates to fully participate in camp. We expect all delegates to be fully present 24/7 during the 3 weeks of camp. 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.

Delegates will also have the opportunity, if they desire, to propose, plan, and present their own seminar during the camp.