Young Scientist Program Gala

The Young Scientist Program at Washington University at St. Louis (YSP) was founded in 1991 to attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds into science careers through activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between students and scientists. YSP is entirely volunteer-run, with hundreds of Washington University graduate and post- graduate scientists serving as near-peer role models to thousands of local students. In 2016, YSP will proudly celebrate its 25th anniversary. We will be hosting a Gala on October 22, 2016 to celebrate YSP’s achievements and look forward to a promising future. The gala will include a cocktail hour with appetizers, entertainment, three-course dinner, demonstrations, speakers, and presentations.

YSP has advanced science education and literacy across St. Louis for the past 25 years by providing paid summer research internships for local high school students, mentoring and tutoring by current scientists, science demonstrations in the classroom, and educational materials and equipment to underserved students and teachers. Through these efforts, YSP has earned the respect and support of the St. Louis educational community. Several SLPS teachers and administrators serve on the YSP Community Advisory Board, and YSP has presented at multiple SLPS professional development days. In recognition of its outstanding contributions to science education and public understanding of science, the Academy of Science - St. Louis presented YSP with its prestigious Science Educator Award in 2011. Our track record with students is equally impressive.

YSP’s remarkable, nationally recognized achievements in promoting science education have been made possible through generous support from the St. Louis community. To help YSP maintain its high quality services in the St. Louis community, please consider supporting YSP by donating to the 25th Anniversary Gala. Through this event, we hope to increase awareness of YSP in the community and generate funds to support YSP’s continued success. Some of the funds generated through this event will benefit YSP via these avenues: Classroom field trips to WUSTL, mentoring for students, YSP summer research interns, gloves for hands-on activities, and new hands-on activities. Your generous donation will ensure students have opportunities to pursue their interests and talents. It will also help YSP address the pressing educational needs of this struggling community.

For more information regarding YSP, visit ysp.wustl.edu. If you would like to donate more than $1,000 to the gala, please consider being a formal sponsor for the event. If so, don't donate on the GoFundMe page and  please email us at [email redacted]. We thank you for you support and any donation is greatly appreciated