Applications are open for Young Nebraska Scientists (YNS) camps throughout the state in 2026, including:
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS
• Secret Life of Metals Chemistry at Creighton University (Omaha), Grades 6-8, Fee: $60, Commuter/Day, dates coming soon (check yns.nebraska.edu)
• Nano Camp at Creighton U., Grades 6-8, Commuter/Day, Dates & Fee: see yns.nebraska.edu
HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS
• Biodiversity, June 14-20 at Cedar Point Biological Station (Lake Ogallala),
Grades 9-11, Fee: $150, Residential
• Explorations in Biology, June 22-25 at Neb. Wesleyan Univ. (NWU - Lincoln), Grades 9-11, Cost: $150, Residential
• Snack Attack: Apple Edition, July 22-23, Food Innov. Ctr (UNL/Innov. Campus), Grades 9-11, Cost: $40, Commuter/Day
• Rise & Grind: A Wheat Tale, June 16-19, Food Innovation Center (UNL/Innovation Campus, Lincoln), Grades* Cost: $150, Commuter/Day
ONE-DAY FOOD SCIENCE CAMPS
• Science of Ice Cream: May 28, Food Innovation Center – Lincoln (Nebraska Innovation Campus), Grades*, Cost: $20, Commuter/Day
• Science of Chocolate: June 30, Food Innovation Center - Lincoln (Nebraska Innovation Campus), Grades*, Cost: $20, Commuter/Day
*Priority application for high-schoolers; after May 1, middle-schoolers may apply.
Each summer 100+ youths attend YNS camps, which include hands-on science experiences and recreation opportunities at college campuses throughout Nebraska. YNS camp fees include meals and lodging for residential camps; day camps are also available (see yns.nebraska.edu/camps for specifics). Early application deadline is May 1 for YNS camps. Need-based scholarships are readily available.
YNS is conducted by Nebraska EPSCoR with support from the National Science Foundation, to encourage youth participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning and careers. NSF support helps keep YNS camp fees low (need-based scholarships are available); faculty from Nebraska colleges and universities are camp leaders, and camp staff include university students. For information and to apply online, visit http://yns.nebraska.edu.
More details at: https://yns.nebraska.edu