Los Alamos National Labs with logo 2021

2024 Summer Physics Camp for Young Women

A two-week free camp for students that focuses on STEM and Energy Security.

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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.

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 in Santa Fe

Sponsored by

Los Alamos National Laboratory, TRIAD, LANL Foundation, Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico Consortium, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, SAGE, N3B, 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, Waste Management Symposia and private individuals.

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. This two-week long 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, cybersecurity and will apply their knowledge in a range of exciting hands-on multi-day projects. They will also learn about different energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal and nuclear power, to better understand the challenges faced by our modern society.

Reaching beyond engaging science, the participants will also learn a broad range of professional skills like: how to write a resume, how to apply and interview for a job, about opportunities available at our local colleges, and at Department of Energy National Laboratories like Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Costs

This summer camp is FREE to students. Daily lunch and snacks will be also provided. Students completing the 2 week long program will be offered a stipend and the opportunity to be part of SAGE (Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement in STEM) Journey program.

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 on a daily basis.

SAGE Journey

SAGE aims to broaden gender diversity in STEM and foster creativity and innovation for continued scientific and technological leadership. The SAGE Journey is for curious and passionate students who want to explore the wide range of career possibilities for their future. The journey which starts in the teen years, requires an open-mind that is willing to see beyond old knowledge and perceptions.  The journey can be viewed as an adventure with twists and turns, to be filled with hands-on experiences and personal interactions that teach life lessons.

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 this camp can impact your future. One of our goals is to engage those who are underrepresented in STEM (e.g. women). Increasing diversity in STEM is something we must all work towards, and ALL students are invited to apply.

How to apply

  1. Complete the online application (including a short essay about yourself, your interests and why you think 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

Share your time and expertise: Volunteer at the free physics camp this summer

Success depends on support of people like you. The 2024 Summer Physics Camp (June 10-21) will be in person at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe, bringing students from across New Mexico together to meet scientists, engineers, technicians, technologists and STEM role models.

During the two-week camp, students will learn about STEM concepts through hands-on experiments, short talks and demonstrations. The camp will also provide professional development sessions and information about careers and educational opportunities in New  Mexico (such as local colleges, trade schools, careers in the military, internships at national laboratories).

The Summer Physics Camp needs volunteers to make an impact on the next generation of women in STEM, in their communities and in the national security enterprise and mission. The success of the camp depends on people just like you.

There are many ways to volunteer at the camp: you might want to lead several sessions, or an activity, or support an existing activity in a field you are familiar with or you want to help with logistics or the tour or want to help us get good advertisements and public relations!!! All skills are great!

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.

Share your expertise and give a lecture, lead hands-on demonstrations or a virtual tour, support an in-person tour of Lab facilities, or share about your experiences working as a STEM scientist. Every shared experience is meaningful.

Time slots for volunteers are flexible to accommodate different schedules. If you’d like to volunteer at this year’s camp for an hour, half a day or be a topic or session leader, simply fill out the Volunteer Form and the camp’s organizers will get in touch with you.

Previous Camps

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

The success of the Summer Physics Camp depends on our wonderful sponsors. We appreciate the support and do our best in exhibiting their business. 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

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