News

07.12.2009

Almost 1000 teenagers apply for the international Millennium Youth Camp

The Millennium Youth Camp has aroused a remarkable degree of international interest. Technology Academy Finland, organiser of the international science camp, received 995 applications from young people all over the world. Cooperating partners in the camp include the Finnish LUMA Centre, the Centre for School Clubs, and Finland's Ministry of Education.

"The response surpassed all our expectations. We received applications from all five continents and 62 countries," says Professor Maija Aksela, who chairs the Millennium Youth Camp Steering Group.

By far the most applications - a total of 135 - were received from Romania. In second place was New Zealand with 67, and 64 applications were received from Finland. Other countries in the top ten were Japan, Germany, Lithuania, Slovenia and Thailand. 51% of the applicants, were girls.

"It's marvellous that girls are interested in our science camp, they are sorely needed," says Professor Aksela. "The natural science and technology sectors offer fascinating challenges to both women and men."

The Millennium Youth Camp will run from 6-13 June in 2010. Camp participants are aged 16 to 19 and interested in natural sciences, mathematics and technology. The camp is arranged to raise awareness of Finland as a centre for innovative research and technology and to highlight the study and employment opportunities available there. Teenagers attending the camp will also meet the finalists for the 2010 Millennium Technology Prize and attend the Award Ceremony in Helsinki on 9 June.

The deadline for applications was 30 November 2009. Selection of the final 30 participants will be completed no later than 15 March 2010.

The main organisers of the Millennium Youth Camp are Technology Academy Finland, the national LUMA centre, the Centre for School Clubs and the Ministry of Education. Cooperating partners are the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, the Finnish National Board of Education, the Academy of Finland, the University of Helsinki, the Helsinki University of Technology, the Economic Information Office (TAT), the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries, the Union of Teachers of Biology and Mathematics, the Finnish Association of Teachers of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics (MAOL), the Finnish Science Centre (Heureka) and Finland's Museum of Technology. Corporate partners include Kemira, Nokia, UMP and Vaisala.

Further information:

Raija Huikko, Event Manager
Technology Academy Finland
raija.huikko(at)technologyacademy.fi, tel. +358 40 506 6113

Maija Aksela, Professor, chair of the Millennium Youth Camp Steering Group
The Finnish LUMA Centre, University of Helsinki
maija.aksela(at)helsinki.fi, tel. +358 50 514 1450

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