Robert Holzer, a sophomore at Saint Charles North HS of Saint Charles, IL is a Delegate of the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Lowell, MA in June of 2016. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students, who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal. Robert was nominated to represent Illinois based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and passion for science and technology. Robert will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading scientific research; be given advice from deans of the world's top tech universities; be inspired by fellow teen science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology. "This is a crucial time in America when we need more nimble-minded and creative scientists and technologists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, Executive Director, National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists. “Focused, bright and determined students like Robert are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.” The Academy was founded on the belief that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education plays a critical role in enabling the United States to remain the economic and technological leader of the global marketplace of the 21st century and that we must identify prospective talent at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of vital careers. Based in Washington, DC the Academy helps address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to advances in society as scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.