Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth

 

SPATY:

Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth

in cooperation with Duke University Talent Identification Program

July 7-26, 2019

Program Cost: $2730.00

Application Deadline: June 15, 2019 

Payment Deadline, pending acceptance: June 30, 2019

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN:app.campdoc.com/register/fakcgs

The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Education welcomes you to explore your possibilities this summer as a member of the 2019 class of the Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth.   Prepare to find your inner strength this summer as you to turn challenges into opportunities with courses that provide a sampling of all Southern Miss has to offer.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth (SPATY), a three-week residential program, is offered through a cooperative effort with the Duke University Talent Identification Program, is designed for very bright students who are currently enrolled in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11*.  The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies at the University of Southern Miss assumes full responsibility for the instruction, administration, and outcome of this program.  SPATY is designed to provide a balance of educational, cultural, and recreational experiences.  Upon completion of the program, parents will be sent a detailed grade report to forward to the student’s school.  At the discretion of school administrators, the student may receive school credit or appropriate placement for course work completed during the program.  SPATY will be held on the beautiful campus of Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, in south-central Mississippi, approximately 100 miles from Jackson, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; and New Orleans, Louisiana.  It is important that students select classes in which they are interested and to which their best efforts will be given for three weeks.  Students are asked to select their top three course alternatives to insure placement in an area of interest.

Eligibility for SPATY is based on student’s ACT or SAT scores in compliance with the Duke-TIP guidelines.  Qualifying scores are listed following the course descriptions in this brochure.  Classes are taught by outstanding teachers and meet seven hours each weekday and three hours on Saturday, with one hour provided for homework and study every evening.  Classwork, exams, and weekend projects are included in the final grading for each course.

* Grade levels reflect student’s enrollment during the 2018-19 school year.

 The program will be held on the beautiful campus of Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, located in south central Mississippi, approximately 100 miles from Jackson, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; and New Orleans, Louisiana. It is important that students select classes in which they are interested and to which their best efforts will be given for three weeks. If the first choice is not available, placement will be in the next available choice.

Residential Accommodations

The residential component is planned to be an integral part of the learning experience. The residential hall provides an equally comfortable environment for academic activities and leisure time. Students live in an air conditioned dormitory a short walking distance from the dining hall, campus resources (such as the library) and campus recreational facilities. Residential counselors supervise students when they are not in class. Approximately six hours each weekday and three hours on Saturday mornings will be devoted toward group classroom studies, with one hour per evening provided for individual study. Cultural and recreational activities will be planned as well. There are many opportunities for students to enjoy getting acquainted with other young people of similar abilities and interests.

 

 Eligibility for the Program:

SCORES ON THIS TABLE ARE BASED ON THE SAT OR ACT TESTS THAT ARE USED FOR APPLYING TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT SCORES FROM THE ACT EXPLORE TEST THAT IS GIVEN TO MIDDLE GRADES STUDENTS.

ACHIEVING THESE SCORES ON A TEST THAT IS WELL BEYOND YOUR GRADE LEVEL SHOWS READINESS FOR THE EXTREMELY ACCELERATED COURSES YOU WILL ENCOUNTER IN OUR PROGRAMS.  EACH COURSE IS THE EQUIVALENT OF A FULL YEAR HIGH SCHOOL COURSE - TAKEN IN A THREE-WEEK TIME FRAME.

 

Academic Courses

Classes, taught by outstanding teachers, meet six hours each weekday and three hours on Saturday. Students participate in quality learning experiences that allow them to progress at a rate and a level appropriate for high ability students. Each class is limited in enrollment. Students select one of the following courses, each of which is offered in a fast paced, challenging format. SAT or ACT (taken in 7th grade) eligibility requirements are noted after each course description. 

Courses for 2019: 

Maths in Motion

Encompassing the range of math courses typically available in High-School from Algebra I through Calculus and Statistics, the goal of this course is for each student to master as many mathematics concepts as their individual potential allows.  Most students will complete at least one mathematics subject during the course.  Diagnostic testing and individualized instruction allow students to work at their own pace and focus on material they have not previously mastered.  Students must enjoy mathematics and be able to work independently to gain the most benefit from the class. 

†Qualifications based on SAT-M or ACT-M scores.

Piece of Mind

In this introduction to psychology, students will explore the ways in which we describe, explain, predict, and change behavior. What are the interactions of biology, cognition, and perception on our daily lives, and how do we measure the changes that we find? Students will explore the varied topics related to the study of the mind including everything from the intellect to personality.

†Qualifications based on SAT-EBRW; ACT-E or ACT-R.

Speech and Debate & Advanced Debate

In Speech and Debate students will receive instruction in the acquisition, analysis and evaluation of information in order to organize effective arguments.  Students will practice making their arguments while learning the various forms of formal debate. Both courses are taught concurrently in a differentiated classroom.  Skill in debate helps individuals to think logically, identify flawed reasoning, and argue persuasively.  Students in these courses report higher levels of confidence and self-awareness as a result of their experiences.

†Qualifications based on SAT-EBRW; ACT-E or ACT-R.

Scribbles on Paper

Join us for an engaging writer’s workshop style course that emphasizes turning life experiences into lively, creative works. Attention is given to developing and applying individual writing styles to a variety of genres.  Select works to move through analysis and revision with the help of your writing peers as you write essays, poetry, and prose. Students will enjoy the use of a variety of technical platforms for writing as well as traditional pen and ink.

†Qualifications based on SAT-EBRW; ACT-E or ACT-R.

Leveling Up with a Global Perspective

Literacy as we once knew it, the ability to read and write, has changed. New literacy entails the ability to read, write, compute math, and integrate technology to problem solve and communicate with a global perspective. This course will focus on building cultural competency with a global mindset. For three weeks, students will explore the cultural values and traditions of individuals from diverse cultures, namely, individuals from Africa, Asia, and South America countries.

†Qualifications based on SAT-EBRW;  ACT-E or ACT-R.

Introductory Astrophysics

This course introduces a wide range of physics and astronomy topics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light, the solar system, stars and cosmology. The goal is for students to experience as many concepts in physics and astronomy as their individual potential allows. Students must enjoy math and science in order to gain the most benefit from the class.

†Qualifications based on SAT-EBRW, SAT-M or ACT-S or ACT-R.

Human Biology

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology by focusing on humans as biological creatures. Topics include basic chemistry; cell structure and organization; human body structure and functioning; human reproduction and development; human genetics; and human ecology. Moreover, this course will also delimit the social, moral and ethical issues and concerns that affect human biology.  This course is designed with a medical emphasis intended to give students an introduction to the rigor of pre-professional classes. Students that have demonstrated mastery of sixth – eighth grade life standards based on College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science will be able to complete this course with minor difficulty. The successful completion of “Foundations of Biology” is suggested but not required.

†Qualifications based on SAT-EBRW, SAT-M or ACT-S or ACT-R.

 

Program Costs:

1. A NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of $30.00 must be paid at the time of application.  

2. The cost of the program is $2700.00 and includes room and board, meals, limited accident insurance, and recreational activities.

3. This makes the total for families $2730.00.

 

 Scholarship Opportunities:

A limited number of scholarships is available for this program. Scholarships will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need, student achievement and promise, and the availability of funds.  We will award scholarships until available funds are depleted, therefore early application is advisable.  We cannot guarantee that all eligible applicants will receive aid.  NO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.

Students interested in receiving scholarships for this program must provide the following:

• Evidence of financial need

• Evidence of good standing in school or learning community

• Names and email addresses of two adults (non-family members) who have knowledge of their unique abilities. We will contact these individuals for you - there is no need to ask for letters.

• BOTH of the Following:

1. Essay: “How will summer studies help me reach my educational goals?” (500-word maximum) 

AND

2. Portfolio* showcasing academic abilities in a variety of ways or areas. Each entry must be accompanied by an explanation,  written by the student, relating how the entry evidences his or her ability or need for extra opportunities.

 *Portfolio should contain a minimum of five (not more than 10) items.

Images should be included in a Word document (or similar software) with the student’s explanation next to or below the image. Save all images as a .pdf file before uploading to the scholarship application.