Call for applicants: 2024 FREE Summer Physics Camp for Young Women

Summer Physics Camp for Young Women is accepting applications!

Applications are being accepted now for the 2024 Summer Physics Camp for Young Women in New Mexico and Hawaii.

The 8th annual Summer Physics Camp for Young Women Brochure

When?
June 10-21, 2024, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

What?
Hands-on activities and demonstrations, tours, lectures, professional development and interactive projects in physics, engineering, chemistry, environmental science, robotics and coding

Where?
New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe

The 8th annual Summer Physics Camp for Young Women offers a unique opportunity for young students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with STEM professionals including women scientists and researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.

This two-week camp will explore topics related to energy and energy security (reliable, affordable access to all fuels and energy sources) and offers students a chance to boost their understanding of how STEM improves the world around us through hands-on activities, demonstrations, tours, talks and a multiday hands-on engineering project.

Students will learn the principles of physics, engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, computer programming and cybersecurity, and will apply their knowledge in a range of exciting hands-on multi-day projects. They will also explore different energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal and nuclear power, to better understand the challenges faced by our modern society.

Participants will also learn a broad range of professional skills including:

Costs

This summer camp is FREE to students. Daily lunch and snacks will be also provided. Students completing the full program will be offered a stipend and the opportunity to be part of the national SAGE (Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement in STEM) Journey program, which aims to broaden gender diversity in STEM and foster creativity and innovation for continued scientific and technological leadership.

A limited number of FREE residential spots will be available to selected students living more than 60 miles away from Santa Fe and unable to commute to the camp each day.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students living in NM, NM tribal communities or East Hawaii Island
  • Completion of Algebra I or high-level math course
  • Able to commit to 2-week full participation

If you are curious and enjoy a challenge, we would love for you to apply! Acceptance to the camp is not based on grade point average but on how the experience can impact your future. One of our goals is to engage those who are underrepresented in STEM (e.g. women). ALL students are invited to apply.

How to apply

  1. Complete the online application. You will be asked to write a short essay about yourself, your interests and why you believe the camp will be useful to you.
  2. Ask a teacher/counselor to send a reference letter explaining why they think this camp will benefit you to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov
  3. Obtain copies of your school transcripts confirming you have Algebra 1 and email to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov

Application deadline: COB Monday, April 1

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Please fill out this form if you are interested in volunteering for the camp this year.

The success of the camp resides on the amazing volunteers that participate in it.

Ways to volunteer:

  1. topic lead: organize several sessions on a specific topic
  2. session lead: volunteer for one hour, one day (morning or afternoon)
  3. session or topic support: join a session/s and volunteer on already planned activities
  4. logistics support: (design posters, signs, badges, certificates, purchase materials etc)
  5. Residential chaperone

LANL employees can request Community service hours and get paid to volunteer (up to 32 hours per fiscal year) through the Community Partnerships Office. Also, this is a great opportunity to get involved in a high-impact outreach effort, which would be an excellent addition to your CV (https://int.lanl.gov/org/dir/cpo/education/community-service.shtml)

Explore previous camps

Sponsors:

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Triad, LANL Foundation, Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico Consortium, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, SAGE, N3B, Thirty Meter Telescope, Hawaii Science & Technology Museum, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Chemical Society, American Physical Society Four Corners, New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe Indian School and private individuals.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

The success of the Summer Physics Camp depends on our wonderful sponsors. We appreciate their support and do our best to highlight their organizations. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to: New Mexico Consortium, Attn: Teri Thomas-SPCYW, 4200 W Jemez Rd Ste 301, Los Alamos, NM 87544.