FAQs

What is the Youth Watershed Summer Institute (YWSI)?

The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) YWSI is a weeklong residential summer camp that develops Ohio middle schooler's STEM-related passions. Through high-impact learning experiences and immersive teamwork, students learn hands-on skills in science, math, computer science and engineering. Participants explore their interests in these subjects through work on a practical, interesting scientific problem using the latest computer technology.

What is the Ohio Supercomputer Center?

The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC), located in Columbus, Ohio, empowers the innovations and discoveries of Ohio students, faculty, scientists, engineers and clinicians. By centralizing Ohio’s high performance computing at the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC), the state’s higher education and industry communities gain cutting-edge capabilities at unmatchable value. OSC delivers flexible, secure and reliable computational power and comprehensive client support at a fraction of the cost of similar commercial services or smaller standalone systems. Ohio’s academic and industrial communities alike benefit from OSC’s affordable, on-demand supercomputing that enables groundbreaking research and innovation throughout the state, leading to new products, services and breakthroughs in a vast array of disciplines.

What are the eligibility requirements for YWSI?

Middle schoolers living in Ohio who are currently completing the 6th or 7th grade are eligible to apply for YWSI.

How do I apply?

Apply for the YWSI here. Applications require two teacher recommendations.

How are participants selected?

Capacity for the YWSI is limited and the selection process is competitive. OSC evaluates applications based on evidence of ability to work on a team and willingness to learn new STEM-related concepts.

Will I have free time?

YWSI isn't just about spending time in the classroom. Students take part in team building activities and tour facilities such as labs on Ohio State’s campus. Students also get a behind-the-scenes view of Ohio State's campus living and dining in the dorms.

What is the cost to participate? 

OSC covers half of the cost of the YWSI program and materials, which includes staff time, meals and housing. The fee for participants reflects the other half of the cost of running the YWSI. The current fee is listed on the YWSI program homepage.

Where do participants eat and sleep?

Students stay in air-conditioned Ohio State dormitories with bed linens and towels included. OSC provides around the clock adult supervision. Lunches are served at the OSC facility, and students eat breakfast and dinner in Ohio State dining facilities.

How should I prepare?

Our preparations page goes into more detail about what to pack, what to expect and other related topics of interest.

Who can I contact to learn more?

Email us at si-contact@osc.edu or call (614) 688-8300.

How do I become an instructor?

Teachers and faculty may apply to participate as a camp instructor. Instructors receive a generous stipend and may earn continuing education units.

Apply to become a camp instructor here.