York and Santa Catalina students to Vienna for nonproliferation conference

Students from Santa Catalina High School and York High School in Monterey are among those chosen to attend the Spring 2012 Student-Teacher Conference of the Critical Issues Forum, April 30-May 2 in Vienna. The Critical Issues Forum is an educational program managed by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Students from five U.S. high schools, five Russian high schools in closed nuclear cities, and one school from Bosnia & Herzegovina, along with nearly a dozen Austrian high school students, are scheduled to present their findings on this year’s topic of “Nuclear Safety and Security.” The conference is being held as a side event to the 2012 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee, giving students the opportunity to experience international diplomacy firsthand. The conference culminates a year-long program designed to increase high school students’ awareness of nonproliferation and disarmament issues and enhance critical thinking skills. During this conference, students will provide creative presentations on their research and solutions for enhancing nuclear safety and security. I've had the opportunity to attend the conference in the past, and it's truly remarkable to see these young people at work, so passionately engaged in such important topics. To watch a video of the program, click here.