Founded in 1991, the Young Scientist Program (YSP) is designed to attract high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds into scientific careers through activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active scientists. In addition, the YSP targets St. Louis City Public High School teachers with resources that facilitate inquiry-based learning in the classroom. Each year the program reaches hundreds of high and middle school students and teachers in the St. Louis City Public Schools.