PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— Saisha Pal, a rising senior at Dougherty Valley High School in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, was selected by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond as one of two California delegates to represent the state at the 2026 National Youth Science Camp.
According to the California Department of Education (CDE), Pal and a student from San Bernardino County were selected for their achievements and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
“Congratulations to Saisha Pal on this remarkable achievement,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “The knowledge, experiences, and connections she gains through the program will have a lasting impact on her future. We are proud of Saisha for representing Contra Costa County and inspiring others through her accomplishments.”
Before being selected as a camp delegate, Pal participated in an engineering and construction internship with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Working alongside engineers and infrastructure professionals, she supported public water system projects and gained hands-on experience in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as construction project design and management.
At Dougherty Valley High School, Pal has excelled in STEAM coursework and demonstrated a strong commitment to youth mental health initiatives. She has served in leadership roles as president of Product Design, vice president of Science Olympiad, and public relations officer for Varsity Public Forum Debate. In information shared with the CDE, Pal said, “I want to learn how I can do work that matters. Work that contributes to helping solve problems like youth mental health, scientific research, and innovating solutions to help make life better for others.”
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) brings together delegates from nearly 50 states, U.S. territories, and overseas military postings, as well as participants from eight countries in the Western Hemisphere. The three-week National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) program runs through Aug. 1, 2026, and is designed to recognize and challenge emerging leaders in STEAM fields.
According to a recent news article, the 63-year-old program has had a significant impact on participants. More than half of its alumni have earned doctoral degrees, and more than 85% have pursued careers in STEAM fields, highlighting the camp’s role in developing future leaders.
The program also includes activities in Washington, D.C., such as an international diplomacy simulation hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Delegates stay at Camp Horseshoe in Tucker County, West Virginia, where they participate in lectures, discussions, and hands-on learning experiences led by STEAM professionals. Participants also explore the Monongahela National Forest through outdoor activities, including backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, and caving.
About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.
