Minnesota Students Selected for the 2026 National Youth Science Camp

Minnesota Department of Education sent this bulletin at 05/12/2026 10:35 AM CDT

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NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Anna Kurth

651-582-8798

Anna.Kurth@state.mn.us

For Immediate Release

May 12, 2026

Minnesota Students Selected to Attend the 2026 National Youth Science Camp

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota high school students Sandara Sihavong and Qianyi Li will represent Minnesota at the 2026 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) July 11-Aug. 1 in West Virginia.

Snigdha Malhotra and Leila Traynham are alternates.

"Minnesota is proud of you, Sandara and Qianyi, and all you're doing to advance your STEAM skills and serve your communities and schools," said Commissioner Willie Jett. "Thank you both for representing Minnesota at the National Youth Science Camp and bringing your unique talents to this opportunity to connect with peers from across the country as you learn and grow."

Sandara Sihavong is a senior at Blaine High School. She is a 2026 Minnesota National Center for Women and Information Technology Aspirations in Computing State Winner and a Business Professionals of America National Finalist in the Website Design Team. Sandara also serves as a Minnesota Department of Transportation Phoenix Student Worker and leads volunteers at her school's Letters of Love as president.

Qianyi Li is a junior at Stillwater Area High School. She took second place at HOSA Internationals in Biotechnology, is a national finalist in Business Professionals of America Personal Finance, and is a Minnesota All-State Orchestra Member and Minnesota Music Teachers Association Piano Contest Finalist. Qianyi also serves as the founder of her student-led organization, Harmonies for Humanity, which brings live music to nursing homes and local events and offers tutoring for math and SAT prep—impacting over 100 students.

The NYSCamp is a residential science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program in the eastern mountains of West Virginia designed to honor and challenge the nation’s rising STEAM leaders. The camp provides opportunities to engage with STEAM professionals and participate in exciting outdoor activities. The application is competitive, with two delegates selected from each state and the District of Columbia.

For more information about the program, please visit National Youth Science Camp.

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