Metea grad explored STEM at elite camp

Kavya Anjur, a graduate of Metea Valley High School, represented Illinois at the National Youth Science Camp.

Anjur joined 108 other delegates from 50 states and eight countries in the annual science, technology, engineering and mathematics program. The National Youth Science Camp, located in the Monongahela National Forest near Green Bank, West Virginia, integrates engaging STEM presentations and hands-on activities with outdoor experiences and performing and applied arts.

Each year, graduating high school seniors with high achievements in STEM fields are selected from the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and eight countries to attend the National Youth Science Camp.

For almost a month, delegates attend lectures by science industry leaders, engineers and researchers, but also experience the beauty of the West Virginia outdoors through backpacking, caving, mountain biking and rock climbing.

These future STEM leaders are selected on merit, based on their achievements, with the program provided to them at no cost, including travel, removing any financial barriers for attendance.

Delegates also have the opportunity to gain individual, hands-on experience in STEM fields. The impact is profound and lifelong, according to science camp alumni, staff and presenters.

"NYSC challenged me to be the best person that I can be; constantly being surrounded by high-achieving students motivated me and encouraged me to reach new levels," Anjur said.

"I was inspired every day, and I found how to learn new things from those around me rather than be intimidated by them, because science is a wonderful thing that brings us all together."

The National Youth Science Camp is operated by the National Youth Science Foundation. To apply for the National Youth Science Camp, go to apply.nysc.org.

To learn more about the programs and work of the National Youth Science Foundation, visit nysf.com.

Anjur enrolled at Johns Hopkins University to study biomedical engineering.