OUR MISSION

YSA is committed to empowering all youth to be
​community ambassadors of science and technology 
​
In a fun and creative environment, the Young Scientist Academy (YSA) programs engage students’ innate interest in the natural world, allowing them to explore real world research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) topics. 

Our priority is to promote youth participation from "scientifically at-risk" and downtown communities that are often faced with personal or environmental adversity by providing services no cost to participants. 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. 

Data source: New Hanover County Schools

Creating a Better Future for Youth

Science is a powerful tool for solving community problems. Never has it been more clear that we need to prepare the next generation with the tools and confidence to address future challenges using science. In the past year, the Young Scientist Academy has continued providing Wilmington, NC upper elementary and middle school aged  youth with the unique opportunity to use science and technology to discover and deliver solutions that benefit local and global communities. YSA provides exciting and enriching hands-on science experiences in an inclusive environment by working with each student’s interests and abilities, and by encouraging curiosity and creativity while building confidence.

Continued Growth in the Community

YSA currently mentors 200+ youth per week through its after-school, coding, ambassador-level and summer enrichment programs. We are proud to offer impactful  initiatives, such as Tech Team, an interactive program focused on computer coding and technology; Sidewalk Science, a community-based hands-on science enrichment class for kids held outside in neighborhoods such as the Northside of Wilmington; and Global Explorers, which. specifically provides science experiences for refugee youth. Interacting with these students and seeing their enthusiasm for getting their hands dirty with science has been incredibly gratifying.

YSA program statistics for 2023 

To support the continued growth and success of these programs, science and technology must be made equally accessible to youth of all backgrounds, regardless of their race or gender identity.  Last year, YSA made huge strides in meeting these diversity objectives by supporting 85% Black and Latinx students and having 70-75% female participation in its core programs with a retention rate of 94%.