Congress of Future Scientists

Hi, my name is Gavin and I was recently invited to be a Delegate representing my school and the state of PA at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston, MA. This is a huge honor and an event I am eager and very excited to attend.  Previous mentors at the event have been Buzz Aldrin, J. Graig Venter (who decoded the human genome), Nobel Prize award winners in Physics, and more. You can learn about it here: http://www.scitechleaders.com/ 

However, there is a large financial cost to it that my parents and I cannot afford, so I am calling on my family and friends for help so that I don't have to pass up this incredible opportunity.

But let me tell you a little bit more about me:

Science has been my passion since as far back as I can remember. I loved learning about the universe, how black holes worked, watching Bill Nye the Science Guy, How It's Made, and Nova. 

Last year I applied to attend the Appalachian Regional Commission /Oak Ridge National Laboratory  High School Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute in Tennesse. Only 26 students are chosen from school districts in 13 states.  I was the only student in the area selected to go and it was an amazing trip and experience to see the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

I've been on the Honor Roll for the last 4 years, and a part of the National Honor Society for the last 3. I've also been a part of Volunteers in Paupack for the past 4 years, which helps with school-related and community need-based activites.

I'm graduating high school this June and recently applied to East Stroudsburg University so that I can pursue becoming a chemistry teacher. I was accepted within 24 hours of submitting my application. :)

Since the opportunity to attend this science congress is only extended to high school seniors, this is the only chance I have to go.  You need to have academic excellence to be invited as a delegate with a GPA of 3.5+, which I have. Since I have earned this invitation, attending means that I will also be given an Award of Excellence (this will look great on my resume!)

Here are the costs I am fundraising for:

Tuition + Overnight Program (June 29-July 2): $1485

Travel from my house to Philadelphia, then an Amtrak from Philadelphia to Boston (roundtrip): $180

Meals, drinks, snacks for each day I am there (June 29 and returning on July 2.) $200

The Congress offers a payment arrangement if you can't pay it on the day you register (which I have to do before March 10th.) But in doing so, they add on a 10% fee. If I can fundraise this quickly, I can avoid this fee (which is about $149.)

I really appreciate anything you can give. Thank you for giving me a chance to attend this science congress.