"Attending the Congress in the summer of 2015 was a turning point for me. It was the first time a teacher of mine recommended me for a program that, little did I know at the time, would help mold my interests and steer the course of my high school career. Going to the Congress meant I had to overcome my shyness and talk to strangers, other students, and world renowned scientists. That would be the beginning of courage for me to step out of my comfort zone. The Congress exposed me to people willing to be change agents themselves. Craig Venter, for example, was an unforgettable speaker to hear from who exposed me to opportunities in genomic research in my own neighborhood. Lastly, the Congress was a strong motivator for me to pursue medicine. Since the Congress, I have been able to work in a hospital in Washington, DC, attend a program at the CDC, and start my own global health initiative in West Africa. As I enroll in Harvard this fall, I will be forever grateful for the world that the Congress exposed me to and alerted me to what is possible."

Sadia Demby (Congress Alumni and Freshman at Harvard University)

"The speakers all delivered a key point that stuck with my son Mitchell - sound ideas can come from smart people of any age, and you should never fear taking on giants. My son Mitchell was particularly inspired by Erik Finman at the Congress. Erik made a now famous bet with his parents that if he earned a million dollars before his 18th birthday, he wouldn't have to go to college. Erik executed on his dreams at a very young age, and won that bet with his parents. As a result, this winter while still in high school, my son Mitchell started a company with a friend. Their business plans were based on Mitchell's ideas disrupt two different billion dollar industries, and they attracted paying clients instantly. One of their business plans resulted in an agreement with investors to receive millions in funding as they execute their plan and scale the business."

Mike Monahan (Father of Congress Alumni Mitchell Monahan)

"My son Jesus was accepted to the UCF bio-medical program and it had a lot to do with the Congress. He also has been selected for Marine OCS because this program helped him show how he can be a great leader. He used what he learned during the Congress and we are sure that if he had attended more programs as such, he would of gotten way ahead of many other students that has not taken advantage of such a wonderful program. Thank you for giving my son Jesus the opportunity to shine on his applications for his future."

DJ Delgado (Mother of Congress Alumni, Jesus Delgado)

"Becky has been very, very successful due in large part to her pivotal participation in the Congress. Finding her tribe was the most important event in Becky's high school career! It gave her the confidence to continue to focus on Science and Technology at a time when she was under tremendous pressure to just do athletics. It also gave her a voice enabling her to speak up for herself and others and stop the bullying! After the Congress, she became one of 50 students in the U.S. to receive the Brockman Foundation Scholarship at Texas A&M (a 5 year scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, books, fees, and a summer abroad as students pursue both their B.S. in a STEM field). Too often, and especially in public schools, gifted and talented students do not receive the support, nor the challenges that they need to be successful. The Congress is critical to the success of STEM students in the United States of America. You are filling a void that neither public or private schools can meet, and you are a blessing to families all across America."

Michael and Leslie Bender Jutzi (Parents of Congress Alumni Becky Bender)

"I would say the attendance to the Congress has changed and influenced my sons life in a major way. He attended the Congress and it was an amazing experience for him... He met amazing people. It has put him on a career course and in all reality transformed his viewpoints and lifelong goals. I am incredibly grateful for your organization and the impact you have had on many young lives as well as the future of our universe. Christian was also recognized by the SD Government as a result."

Dan Pollema (Father of Congress Alumni Christian Pollema)