About

The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) is a week-long residential program for high school sophomores and juniors at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, co-hosted with the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Each summer, 300 students — designated National Youth Delegates — gather for an immersive, experiential introduction to environmental science, conservation, and related careers. Students earn one pass/fail general science elective credit from GMU's Environmental Science and Policy Department upon successful completion.

The curriculum is built around hands-on decision-making simulations, role-playing exercises, and site visits rather than traditional classroom instruction. Students work in small faculty-led groups of approximately 20, engaging with researchers, conservation scientists, government officials, and program directors through speaker sessions and field experiences. The Smithsonian partnership gives delegates access to conservation biology researchers and facilities beyond what most university-based programs can provide. Students live in GMU residence halls with a roughly 1:10 staff-to-student ratio throughout.
Admission works differently from most programs. Most delegates are nominated by a teacher, counselor, or WYSE alumnus, or are invited directly by GMU based on SAT/ACT scores or student interest surveys. Students who are not nominated or invited may self-nominate for a limited number of available spots, with applications reviewed by GMU Admissions staff and WYSE faculty. Eligible students must be current sophomores or juniors. Tuition is $2,650, covering housing, meals, in-program travel, and the college credit. Need-based partial and full-tuition scholarships are available; the scholarship deadline for 2026 is February 16.

For a high school student with genuine interest in environmental science and conservation careers, WYSE offers an unusual combination — college credit, Smithsonian access, and a national peer cohort — in a format that is more conference than classroom.