What is NCYSS?

The North Carolina Young Scientist Society is a science education experience for highschoolers in 9th-11th grade across North Carolina. This year-long, mostly virtual program invites students to explore nature-focused, field-based (outdoor) scientific research with mentorship from project staff and funding provided NCYSS. Participants engage with a wide range of scientists and learn how to create a scientific research project, conduct their research, and present their research to their scientific peers and the public. Most of the program is conducted virtually through Zoom with only one in-person gathering in the fall, so NCYSS is accessible to any student with an internet connection and an interest in learning more about what it’s really like to be a field scientist!

Zoom meeting screen

What to Expect

As a Young Scientist, you will:

  • Attend weekly virtual group meetings.
    • Meetings take place Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30pm, February through May and September through November. Note that you will go up a grade during this program!
    • You’ll meet scientists who do field work in the natural sciences, receive mentorship for the development of a nature-focused research project of your choice, and interact with your peers.
    • Can’t make it to every meeting? No problem. We record our sessions so you can catch up on what you missed – but we do hope to see you at most meetings!
  • Design a nature-focused, field-based research project of your choice
  • Write a simple grant proposal for up to $250 to fund your work
  • Conduct your research during the summer months, June-August
  • Present your research to your scientific peers and their guests at the NCYSS Research Symposium in Raleigh in the fall (we’ll cover your attendance costs and provide lunch!)
  • Create a science communication piece to share your research with the public

Should You Apply?

We encourage high schoolers of all interests and backgrounds to apply! No prior experience in science is needed to join NCYSS and we welcome non-traditional students who want to explore science even if they don’t plan to pursue science as a career. We are looking for applicants who are…

  • high school students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
  • curious and eager to learn
  • interested in nature
  • willing to work on a research project outdoors
  • interested in exploring what it’s like to be a scientist
  • able to collect data in nature June-August (this can be done anywhere!)
  • able to attend the Research Symposium in Raleigh on Saturday, October 24, 2026

Important NCYSS Dates: 2026 Cohort

  • Application deadline: December 31, 2025
  • Acceptance notifications: by January 16, 2026
  • First meeting: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 4:30-5:30pm
  • Research time: June – August, 2026
  • Research Symposium (in-person): Saturday, October 2026 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh

Interested in joining NCYSS?

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open! Apply by December 31, 2025.

Apply now!

Questions? Contact us