Student selected for National Youth Science Camp

Sindia Michael, a senior at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, has been selected to attend the National Youth Science Camp.

The National Youth Science Camp is one of the nation’s premier programs in secondary science education and is sponsored by the National Youth Science Academy. The summer program offers educational forums and recreational activities that encourage the development of thoughtful scientific leadership. Two students from each state are chosen as delegates to the camp each year. Delegates have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities, and a genuine interest in the sciences, according to the program’s website.

The residential STEAM camp will be held July 10 through August 2 at Camp Pocahontas in the Monongahela National Forest near Bartow, W.Va. Participants will also visit Washington, D.C., to meet congressional members and attend a panel discussion to be held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Michael of Jonesboro said she is excited to represent ASMSA and the state of Arkansas at the camp. She said it will be an honor to showcase what the Arkansas education system has provided her.

“Through ASMSA, I learned how transformative a living and learning community is,” Michael said. “At NYS Camp, I get to expand on this experience by engaging with other motivated and curious students from across the nation and the world. I’m excited to grow not only academically but also personally as I get to explore all there is about STEM and the world.”

Michael said she is looking forward to learning from aspiring STEAM leaders while experiencing the beauty of nature in the Monongahela National Forest while at the camp where she hopes to meet lifelong colleagues and become part of a larger network of future leaders.

“I’ve always been inspired to make an impact in the spaces I am part of, to diversify these spaces, and to prepare for a lifetime of contributions to healthcare, a field I aspire to pursue,” Michael said. “Meeting professionals across academia, government and STEAM is a privilege I plan to nourish. It’s also an opportunity for me to learn about innovation and leadership in different parts of the world.”

Michael was surprised that she was selected for the program but gave credit to her educators and role models that inspired her. “I attribute so much of this accomplishment to my instructors, namely Dr. Burt Hollandsworth, as well as my capstone instructors, Dr. Patrycja Krakowiak and Dr. Whitney Holden, who have been incredible inspirations.”

To learn more about the National Youth Science Camp, visit https://www.nysacademy.org/programs/nyscamp/.