Summer Programs Offered by Karnes Center for Gifted Studies on Hattiesburg Campus

The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg will host four summer programs for children and youth, focusing on a pioneering spirit in all the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) fields.

Descriptions of each program and the deadlines to apply follow:

*Day Program for Young Gifted Children June 10-14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day.  Open to intellectually gifted and academically talented students in Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) through 3rd grade, this program challenges students to stretch their imagination and explore a wide variety of topics.  Deadline to begin an application: May 15.

*Leadership Studies Program June 17-22.  The Leadership Studies program is open to all students who were enrolled in 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grades during the 2018/2019 school year. Courses begin with Leadership I which teaches the basic characteristics of leadership.  In their second year, Leadership II students learn about group dynamics and situational leadership. Finally, in Leadership III, students study the processes of entrepreneurship and non-profit organizations. All students take home their own platform for leadership that helps them to make a difference in their community, school, or faith-based organization.  Deadline to begin an application: May 15.

*Summer Gifted Studies Program June 23-28.  The Summer Gifted Studies Program is open to students in grades 4-8 who have performed at or above the 91st percentile on either an individually administered IQ test or a nationally normed achievement test. With courses in topics such as engineering design, medical innovations, movie special effects, dance, debate, and sports, all students are sure to find a course that meets their needs for intellectual curiosity and creativity.  Deadline to begin an application: May 15.

*Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth (SPATY) July7-26.  Students who have taken the ACT or SAT as early as the 7th grade are invited to attend this three-week program that helps them to build their academic prowess. With courses in astrophysics, advanced debate, human biology, psychology, accelerated mathematics, and creative writing, this program will challenge youth to focus on their academic growth and potential for collegiate level academics and research. Deadline to begin an application: June 15.

For additional information about any of these programs, call 601.266.6637 or e-mail giftedstudiesFREEMississippi. To apply, visit www.usm.edu/gifted and click the APPLY HERE button on the left hand side.