Letter from the National Youth Science Foundation

March 1, 2008

Dear NYSC Alumni,

These are exciting times for the National Youth Science Foundation and the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). This summer will mark the 45th year of the NYSC and the NYSC Alumni Association (NYSCAA) will gather for its reunion (June 29 – July 6) in Canaan Valley, WV, near the future home of the National Center for Youth Science Education. This year we celebrate together our many accomplishments and energetically pursue the numerous milestones ahead.

First, I am very happy to announce that the Foundation has again been selected to receive a grant from the United States Department of State to further develop international science education programming. This funding will permit us to invite up to 16 international delegates to attend the 2008 NYSC. It will also help offset other operational expenses and, along with the generous support from alumni and others, will allow delegates to attend the NYSC free of charge, transportation included.

Second, the Foundation continues to expand its support of the NYSCAA. We recently announced that Ms. Laine Lybeck (MT 2003) has joined the Foundation's full-time staff in Charleston, WV, to provide long-overdue attention to alumni needs. Since moving to Charleston, Laine has been busy planning the 2008 NYSCAA reunion, creating Alumni Newsletters, searching for lost alumni, creating a new, online Camp Store, and much, much more. Thank you for all the help that you have provided Laine with these projects and please let her know about other ways that she can help serve you!

Third, the Foundation has initiated a series of Regional Science Symposia. Held jointly with the NYSCAA to stimulate interest in youth science education, the Symposia provide a platform for a presentation by a scientist on a topic of interest, reports on Foundation programs and plans, and social interaction among NYSC alumni. The first event was held in February in Seattle, Washington, with more than 20 alumni attending. Upcoming events are being planned for Boston (March 27), San Diego (April 3), and Atlanta (May 17). If you are interested in attending a Symposium or helping us with the planning, please contact Ms. Laine Lybeck (laine.lybeck_no_spam_please_@i_mean_it.no_spam_whatsoever.nysf.com). I hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Fourth, the Foundation continues to make progress in developing the National Center for Youth Science Education on a 110-acre parcel fronting along the Blackwater River. Selected for its many, notable natural attributes, the site and the Center will serve as the permanent home of the NYSC and other Foundation programs. Please watch our websites for more information about how you can get involved in the planning and development of the Center.

And finally, as we enter the 45th year of the NYSC, we look forward to our 50th anniversary and the challenges that we will confront over the next five years. We must fully fund the Adler Endowment Fund to insure the continued operation of the NYSC, complete a major capital campaign to permit the construction of the Center, and expand and enhance our unique science education programming and continue to honor, provide opportunities to, and challenge the nation's and world's most promising science students. I hope that you will join us in these endeavors.

Sincerely,

Andrew N. Blackwood, Ed.D.
Executive Director