About National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM
Explore the Frontiers of Science and Technology with a Mission to Mars
NYLF Explore STEM is a unique learning experience for bright, forward-thinking middle school students who will evolve into our next generation of innovators, engineers, doctors, forensic scientists, mathematicians, and physicists.
During this six-day immersive experience, students learn by doing as they take part in hands-on simulations, workshops, and competitions, while making new friends and having unforgettable adventures as they plan for a "Mission to Mars."
Few fields are more important to the future of mankind than STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—and few show as much promise for future career opportunities. Virtually all career fields today require a solid foundation of STEM, and that’s precisely why these are the fastest growing areas of study—and the reason that STEM professionals are in the highest demand throughout the world.
NYLF Explore STEM is built on a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to help students find their passion through hands-on activities in forensics, robotics programming, medicine, and civil engineering. The program provides an invaluable opportunity for curious and high-achieving students to explore the frontiers of 21st century science and technology.
Featured Curricular Component
Outdoor Medicine Simulation: When Care Is Hours Away
Created by the late wilderness medicine expert Dr. Paul Auerbach and simulation expert Dr. Rebecca Smith-Coggins while professors in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine, this realistic simulation allows students to learn and practice potentially life-saving medical techniques, including wound care, control of bleeding, and splinting. All of these skills will come into play as they plan their next hiking or camping expedition.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the 2022-2023 NASSP List of Approved Contests, Programs, and Activities for Students.