James Harrod and Anna Ives, juniors at Cape Henlopen High School, were delegates to the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Lowell, Mass.

The congress was held from June 29 to July 1. The congress is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Each participant needs to maintain a 3.4 GPA or higher in order to be eligible to attend.

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.

Harrod and Ives both were nominated to represent Delaware based on their academic achievement, leadership potential and passion for science and technology.

During the three-day congress, students joined peers from across the country and heard Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading scientific research.

"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.

The academy offers free services and programs to students who have the desire to learn more about their future in science or technology. Some of the services and programs the academy offers include online social networks through which these future scientists and technologists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by tech and science leaders; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more.

Harrod said of the experience, "The conference was really cool because you got to see so many influential people speaking in one place; during lunches and breaks you could talk and get take photos with the country's leading scientists."

Ives added, "It was fascinating to see people who have done amazing things in science and technology, and we got to meet peers who have already worked on college-level research."

For more information go to www.scitechleaders.com or call 617-307-7425.