Ohio sends two students to 2026 National Youth Science Camp

The Ohio Academy of Science has selected Benjamin Bartyzel of Cleveland and Samarth Khandelwal of Cincinnati to represent Ohio at the 2026 National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia. The three-week STEM program is highly selective and gives students research, leadership and policy exposure at no cost.

Why it matters: - Ohio’s two delegates will join a national STEM program that selects only two students from each state and the District of Columbia. - The camp is designed to build scientific skill, ethical leadership and long-term engagement in STEM fields. - The program gives students access to research, experts and policymakers that can shape future academic and career paths.

What happened: - The Ohio Academy of Science selected Mr. Benjamin Bartyzel and Mr. Samarth Khandelwal to represent Ohio at the 2026 National Youth Science Camp. - The camp runs July 11 to August 11 in West Virginia. - The Ohio Academy of Science coordinated the statewide selection process. - Graduating seniors and juniors from across Ohio applied for the delegate spots. - The selection process emphasized academic achievement, scientific accomplishment and leadership qualities. - Michael E. Woytek, executive director of The Ohio Academy of Science, said the NYSC aims to inspire lifelong engagement and ethical leadership in STEM and related fields among students with high potential for follow-through and success.

The details: - Benjamin Bartyzel attends St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland. - Bartyzel’s background includes academic accomplishments, science research, extracurricular activities and public service. - Bartyzel has competed multiple years at State Science Day and the Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair. - Bartyzel’s award-winning research has covered social and behavioral sciences and animal science. - Bartyzel’s research experience includes programs through the Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt University and Ohio State University Stone Labs. - Bartyzel volunteers with organizations that provide food, shelter and social wellness support. - Bartyzel is a pianist and vocalist and earned a Superior rating at the Greater Cleveland Solo and Ensemble Contest. - Samarth Khandelwal attends Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati. - Khandelwal’s work combines science research, public policy and community service. - Khandelwal’s award-winning project focused on engineering and training a neural network to identify glioblastoma biomarkers. - Khandelwal presented that research at both the Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair and State Science Day. - Khandelwal participated in a University of Cincinnati AI Research Internship. - Khandelwal served as an Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador to advocate for effective AI education policy. - Khandelwal volunteers as a math and science tutor and co-managed a campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. - The NYSC is a three-week residential STEM camp in West Virginia’s eastern mountains near Davis. - Students will conduct research at Green Bank Observatory and explore the Monongahela National Forest through backpacking, mountain biking, caving, rock climbing and kayaking. - Students will also attend plenary lectures with experts and visit policymakers and legislators in Washington, D.C. - Housing, meals, transportation and supplies are provided at no cost.

Between the lines: - The delegate picks reflect a blend of research depth, leadership and service, not just test scores or grades. - Both students already have experience presenting research and participating in competitive science fairs, which likely strengthened their applications. - The camp’s combination of research, outdoor learning and policy exposure suggests a broader goal than lab work alone.

What's next: - Bartyzel and Khandelwal will attend the 2026 NYSC from July 11 to August 11. - The two students will take part in research, lectures, outdoor activities and visits tied to science policy during the program. - Ohio’s next delegate selection cycle will likely follow the same highly competitive process for future camps.

The bottom line: - Ohio is sending two standout students to one of the country’s most selective youth STEM programs, giving them a fully funded platform to grow as researchers, leaders and science advocates.