Summer Complexity and Modeling Program (CAMP)

July 8 - July 21, 2012

Offered at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

For 27 years, the Santa Fe Institute has challenged and equipped the next generation’s brightest scholars to take on complex problems through schools, fellowships, and youth educational curricula serving students and educators of all ages and backgrounds. SFI Complexity Scholarship programs include instruction by, and interaction with, SFI scientists. Complexity scholars trained at the Santa Fe Institute are working to understand the theoretical foundations and patterns underlying the systems most critical to our future -- economies, ecosystems, conflict, disease, human social institutions, and the global condition.

For 2012 we are pleased to announce a novel immersion program for a select number of high school students from around the world, the Complexity and Modeling Program. Offered from July 8 to 21, 2012 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, the Summer CAMP builds on a highly successful SFI program previously available only to local Santa Fe students; residential options at George Mason enable us to reach students throughout the United States.

This intensive two-week residential science Summer CAMP introduces participants to complexity science scholarship. Through individual projects, computer simulation activities, analysis of ecological data, lectures and seminars, along with related weekend activities, students conduct research in this cutting edge field. Days are made up of instruction, small working group sessions, and research time interleaved with sports and extra-curricular events.

The Summer CAMP broadens students’ scientific horizons, and accelerates both academic and personal development by immersing them in a supportive community of scholars, teaching them how to create and analyze computer models, and introducing them to the challenges and rewards of independent scientific research. The academic program is demanding: lectures and curricula in complexity science, collection and analysis of ecological data, mathematics, and computer programming are taught at the college level. Each student will receive a high-level of personal attention from program instructors. At the conclusion of the CAMP, students will present their work and, if appropriate, develop a plan for continuation throughout the school year.

More information about the Complexity and Modeling Program can be found on our wiki, facebook page, and the 2011 CAMP blog.

To Enroll

We will begin accepting students on May 15, students who apply after this date will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis until a cut off of June 29, 2012. 

To begin your application for the 2012 CAMP, please click HERE.

Tuition for residential students is $3,000 inclusive of participation, course materials, accommodations and meals. Assistance is available for about 35% of the student body. Students are responsible for their travel costs. A limited number of scholarships are available based on need.

Tuition for day students is $1,750 inclusive of participation, course materials, and meals. Assistance is available for about 35% of the student body. Students are responsible for transport to and from the program daily. A limited number of scholarships are available based on need.

The program accepts applications from current high school students. Students who will complete high school in Spring 2012 are not eligible. The Complexity and Modeling Program (CAMP) does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of gender, race, color, citizenship, national or ethnic origin. Young women and traditionally under-represented minority students are especially encouraged to apply.

Requirements include:

1. Online application form.
2. Official high school transcript
3. Two letters of recommendation (preferably from a math teacher and a science teacher). Submitted online.
4. One page, typewritten essay entitled, "The whole is sometimes greater than the sum of its parts." Submitted online.
5. Photocopies of standardized test score reports (either PSAT, PreACT, SSAT, SAT, PLAN, or ACT) if available.

Transcripts and photocopies of test scores should be mailed to Santa Fe Institute - Complexity and Modeling Program, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501. All other application materials (letters of recommendation, essay, application form, etc) should be submitted through the online application system. Applications will be complete only when all required parts have been received, including both teacher recommendations. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have specific questions, please contact or (505) 946-2726

To begin the online application click HERE.