Applications are now open for 2020 Young Nebraska Scientists camps, which provide hands-on science experiences and recreation opportunities to middle and high school students at college campuses throughout Nebraska.

Young Nebraska Scientists camps are hosted by Nebraska EPSCoR to encourage youth participation in science, technology, engineering and math learning and careers. For more than 11 years, 100+ youths have attended the camps each summer.

Opportunities for middle school students include:

• June 3-6, CyberCamp, University of Nebraska at Kearney
• June 17-19, Field Naturalist Camp, Prairie Plains Resource Institute
• June 29-July 1, Engineering of Plant Cell Walls, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• July 13-15, The Secret Life of Metals, Creighton University

Opportunities for high school students include:

• June 1-5, Small but Mighty: A Hands-on Investigation of Viruses and Bacteria Camp, Bellevue University
• June 1-3, Chemistry and Nanoscience Behind Renewable Energy Technologies Camp, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• June 3-6, CyberCamp, University of Nebraska at Kearney
• June 7-13, Biodiversity: Field Science Camp, Cedar Point Biological Station
• June 22-25, Explorations in Biology Camp, Nebraska Wesleyan University
• June 28-July 3, Intersections of Art + Science Camp, Cedar Point Biological Station

Camp fees include meals and lodging, except day camps. Applications are due May 1.

Applications close March 1 for Young Nebraska Scientists High School Researchers (high school juniors preferred), which offers paid summer jobs in the labs of university scientists.

National Science Foundation funding helps keep camp fees low; need-based scholarships are readily available. Faculty from Nebraska colleges and universities are camp leaders, and camp staff include university students. For information and online applications, visit the Young Nebraska Scientists website.