Free physics camp for girls: Applications now open

New Mexico middle- and high-school students are encouraged to apply for the free, two-week, virtual Summer Physics Camp for Young Women. Participants have the opportunity to learn from some of Los Alamos National Laboratory’s leading women scientists and engineers. The camp runs June 6–17, 2022.

Campers will receive materials to conduct hands-on experiments and group projects at home during camp, while attending online presentations and demonstrations. Previous camps have covered topics such as the Mars Perseverance rover’s OrganiCam, led by R&D Laser Engineer Adriana Reyes-Newell, and the biophysics of DNA pattern formation, led by Karissa Sanbonmatsu. The 2022 camp will include sessions on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and alternative energy.

Presenters include about 90 scientists, engineers and other professionals from the Laboratory, 75% of whom are female. Approximately 35 students will be selected for this year’s camp.

Camp sessions also cover professional-development skills such as resumes, interviews, college opportunities in New Mexico, professional societies, internships and careers at the Laboratory. Campers receive a stipend upon completion. Over half of last year’s campers have already secured Lab internships for this summer!

Eligibility requirements:

• Young women living in northern New Mexico, central New Mexico or tribal communities
• Completion of Algebra 1 or higher-level math class
• Commitment to two full weeks of participation

Students should give themselves time to secure a letter of recommendation and school transcripts for the application. Please note that acceptance is not based on GPA.

Interested? Apply here. The deadline is Apr. 3.

For more information contact lanl-physics-camp@lanl.gov or Josefina Salazar at (505) 695-4030