OUR MISSION

Our primary mission is to empower youth of all backgrounds to be community ambassadors of science and technology.

In a fun and creative environment, Young Scientist Academy (non profit 501(c)(3)) programs engage students’ innate interest in the natural world, allowing them to explore real world research in - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math - STEAM topics. 

Our priority is to promote youth participation from underserved and downtown communities that are often faced with personal or environmental adversity by providing services at minimal expense to participants or no cost through scholarships. Through these career-building experiences, we aim to provide leadership, skills and confidence in our youth to establish partnerships and service opportunities for local communities. 

ROB CONDON, PHD

Dr. Rob is the executive director of YSA. With more than 20 years of global experience, he is a passionate marine scientist and educator. Rob has many hobbies including playing golf, riding his bike, gardening and developing computer code.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PART-TIME AFTER SCHOOL ASSISTANT POSITION 
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YSA is hiring a part-time assistant for its after school program, which runs daily (M-F) from 3-6pm. No science experience necessary, and applicants with a creative outlook, positive attitude, and a willingness to make a difference with our youth and in our community are strongly encouraged to apply. 
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If you would like to contribute to our youth program by joining our dedicated team, please send your resume and cover letter explaining why you would like to join YSA to Dr. Rob Condon at rob@youngscientistacademy.org or (910) 386-1867. Select candidates will be invited for interviews. Position is open until filled. Background check required.

For further details on this position please click here.

OUR IMPACT

CERF 2017
In November of 2017, Young Scientists presented at CERF (Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation), a formal scientific conference. Attending this conference were 2,500 of the worlds best scientists in the field. Our scientists presented on the impact of climate and solar flares on jellyfish and weather balloon-climate interraction. Attending were Ashwin and Varun Varadarajan, Cooper Bostick, and Ian and Tristan Condon
Art Exhibits
YSA In the Media

OUR SPACE

Young Scientist Academy strives to create and interactive think tank research facility for youth. We do this by involving students in hands on and interactive real work scientific experiments. YSA facilities include all the equipment your child could need for and scientific experiments, computer or coding projects, and scientific communication. The space is split up into three sections: the lab area, the tech area, and the relax and collaborative space. The lab area is for hands on scientific activities. This could be anything from doing pH analysis on samples to dissecting an animal. The tech area is equipped for all your computer needs. Students have access to desktops and laptops, computer and electronic hardware, LEGO Robotics, and even a YouTube recording set. The collaborative space gives students a place to relax and talk and collaborate with their peers. YSA also has an outdoor area where students can enjoy scientific and recreational activities outside.
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Future YSA renovation design.
Address: 20 N 4th St. Suite 420, Wilmington, NC 28409

FEEDBACK

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Our family found YSA at our school fair. Then last minute signed up for a week of camp. We couldn't get our young self declared inventor to leave. He has spent hours explaining everything he is learning. He begged to attend a second week so he could complete his experiment. That being said he is officially registered for his 3rd week and is begging to attend the after-school program. We can't be more thrilled. When your child talks about subjects you can barely understand they can become frustrated. Here at YSA someone can talk with him and expand his thinking while teaching and challenging him. Thank you Dr. Rob.
My son started YSA at his middle school as an after school club. It was a wonderful way to take what he knew about science and apply it out into the real world! YSA offered hands-on experience with computer programming, marine science and even designing a weather balloon. The kids put the scientific method into action through observations and experimentation in the field, refining their hypothesis along the way. Working with Dr. Condon opened up a world of possibilities for my budding scientist! I highly recommend YSA!
The academy has an amazing atmosphere. My children learned a lot and blossomed greatly as young scientists. My kids were surrounded by teammates who are just as enthused about learning science as they were. Doctor Rob is an awesome teacher, the volunteers are awesome as well. it's just an all-around great experience for children.

OUR BOARD

  • Caryn Morrow, M. Ed. - AIG Teacher at Bellamy Elementary
  • Ed Tisdale - NHRMC
  • Sarah Brannan - NHRMC
  • Beth Darrow, Ph.D - Bald Head Island Conservancy
  • Nicole Newton - First Presbyterian
  • Joey Seltzer - Wells Fargo
  • Elizabeth Scire - NC Workforce Center
  • Hans Olsen - UNCW Head Coach Women's Tennis
  • Jo-El Sidbury-Smith - Catholic Charities
Want to join our board? Contact Dr. Rob at (910) 386-1867 or rob@youngscientistacademy.org
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YOUTH BOARD

YSA is introducing a new youth Board of Directors. When asked about issues in the Wilmington area, many students mentioned the lack of youth voice in out community. YSA's goal is to combat this with a new Youth Board of Directors.

    Join our Board!