Applications are open for Young Nebraska Scientists summer programs across the state in 2023, including day camps for middle school students and residential camps for high school students.

YNS is funded by the National Science Foundation via Nebraska EPSCoR. Need-based scholarships are available.

The camps and dates are as follows:

Day camps for middle school students:

• July 14-16 | Engineering Plant Cell Walls, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln, Neb.
• July 17-19 | The Secret Life of Metals, Creighton University; Omaha, Neb.

Camps for high school students:

• June 7-9 | Discovering Food Science: Exploring Dairy Products the Milky Way, NU Food Science at Nebraska Innovation Campus; Lincoln, Neb.
• June 18-24 | Biodiversity, NU Cedar Point Biological Station; Ogallala, Neb. (Residential)
• June 19-22 | Explorations in Biology Camp, Nebraska Wesleyan University; Lincoln, Neb. (Residential)

For more than 13 years, each summer 100-plus youths attend YNS camps, which include hands-on science experiences and recreation opportunities at college campuses throughout Nebraska. Camp fees include meals and lodging, except “day” camps. Camps application deadline is May 1.

Also, applications close March 15 for YNS High School Researchers (juniors preferred), with paid summer jobs in the labs of university scientists in Lincoln and Omaha.

YNS is conducted by Nebraska EPSCoR to encourage youth participation in science, technology, engineering, and math learning and careers. National Science Foundation funding helps keep YNS camp fees low; need-based scholarships for YNS camps are readily available. Faculty from Nebraska colleges and universities are YNS camp leaders, and camp staffs include university students. YNS camps and high school researchers follow the safety protocols of the campus where they are hosted. Learn more about the online applications and information.