Applications are open for Young Nebraska Scientists summer programs throughout the state in 2024.

Each summer for more than 14 years, more than 100 youths have attended Young Nebraska Scientists camps. The events include hands-on science experiences and recreation opportunities at college campuses across Nebraska. Camp fees include meals and lodging, except “day” camps. For most Young Nebraska Scientists camps, applications close either May 1 or when camp fills. Registration and information is now online.

The options include day camps for middle school students and residential camps for high school students. The Young Nebraska Scientists program is funded by the National Science Foundation via Nebraska EPSCoR. Need-based scholarships are available.

The program schedule is as follows:

Day camps for middle school students

• July 15-17: The Secret Life of Metals at Creighton University, cost is $60

• July 17-19: Engineering Plant Cell Walls at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, cost is $60

Camps for high school students

• June 10-13: Explorations in Biology at Nebraska Wesleyan University, cost is $150

• June 16-22: Biodiversity at Cedar Point Biological Station in Ogallala, cost is $150

• June 19-21: Discovering Food Science: How the Cookie Crumbles at UNL Food Science (Nebraska Innovation Campus), cost is $150

• June 24-28: High School Research in Molecular Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, age requirements 14-18. Upon completion, campers will be paid stipend and $100 travel reimbursement

Additionally, for a “taste” of YNS, the program is offering one-day Food Science Camps at Innovation Campus. Registration closes two weeks before camp starts. The dates and themes are:

• May 28: Pizza: Rise of the Dough

• July 2: Science of Cookies

• July 30: Science of Ice Cream

Applications close March 15 for Young Nebraska Scientists High School Researchers (high school juniors preferred), with paid summer jobs in the labs of university scientists in Lincoln and Omaha.