Applications now accepted for the free Millennium Youth Camp
Talented high school students from all over the world will once again come together in Finland when the fifth Millennium Youth Camp kicks off in June 2014. During the week-long camp, young people aged 16–19 who share an interest in science, mathematics and technology will conduct scientific sustainability projects under expert guidance, while also learning about Finnish innovations and research carried out by businesses and universities. Applications for the camp are accepted until 15 December 2013.
The international Millennium Youth Camp, arranged annually, offers scientifically and technically oriented youths an opportunity to spend a summer’s week with like-minded peers. Young people from all over the world are encouraged to apply. Last year, more than one thousand applications were received from more than one hundred countries, and 60 young people from 31 countries were selected to participate. The camp is free of charge (including both travel and accommodation), and its official language is English.
One of the aims of the camp is to allow budding scientists to network while still in school, to help them kick off a career in science and technology. At the same time, the campers learn about the excellent education and work opportunities available in Finland. This year, businesses will be even more involved in selecting the topics for the projects along with university experts. Cooperation with businesses will give the campers concrete examples of the importance of science and technology in building success.
The sponsors of the 2014 camp are Kemira, Neste Oil, Nokia, Rovio and UPM.
Two-phase application process for camp
The 2014 Millennium Youth Camp will be held during 3 – 11 June 2014 in the Greater Helsinki area in Finland. All young people born in the years 1995–1998 from anywhere in the world may apply for the camp through the Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA’s (University of Helsinki) online service.
Applicants choose their preferred topic area from the 10 different topic areas listed on the application form: applied mathematics, climate, ICT and digitalization, water, renewable natural resources, energy, bio-sciences and -technology, food sciences and technology, material sciences and technology, and urban planning.
Application for the first phase begins on 15 October and ends on 15 December. On 3 February 2014, 200 young people will be chosen from these applicants for the second phase. They will be given the task of drawing up a plan on their own for a project relating to the topics.
The names of the 60 participants chosen for the camp will be published on 17 March 2014. The participants will be chosen by a team of experts comprising representatives from Finnish universities and from Millennium Youth Camp partner companies.
A link to the application form and further information about the application process can be found on the Millennium Youth Camp website(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window).
The main organizers of the Millennium Youth Camp are Technology Academy Finland, the Finnish Science Education Centre LUMA (University of Helsinki) and Aalto University. Numerous Finnish companies and organizations are also involved.
For further information, please contact:
Professor Maija Aksela, chairman of Millennium Youth Camp steering group
Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA, University of Helsinki
maija.aksela(at)helsinki.fi, tel. +358 50 514 1450
Caroline Korhonen, Project Coordinator, Technology Academy Finland
caroline.korhonen(at)technologyacademy.fi, tel. +358 40 5569 999
Media contacts:
Riina Vänttinen, Communications Officer, Technology Academy Finland
riina.vanttinen(at)technologyacademy.fi, tel. +358 400 420 922
Millennium Youth Camp website: www.millenniumyouthcamp.fi(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
Millennium Youth Camp on Facebook (Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
MyScience online magazine website: www.myscience.fi(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)