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• Providing an academic-based program and monitoring student involvement over a long period of time.
• Offering courses that support or augment regular school courses.
• Programs that provide long-term investments rather than short-term interventions.
• Providing culturally congruent teachers: matching the culture of students with their teachers and program staff.
• Providing a peer group that supports students academically, socially, and emotionally--programs should provide time for social and recreational interaction to help students bond with each other.
• College visits, test preparation for college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT, and scholarships for school attendance.

Many colleges and universities, as well as public and private schools and community-based organizations provide programs that challenge students academically and socially, and support their short- and long-term career goals and interests. The following organizations and programs offer examples of different types of supplementary education programs. Contact your local public or private schools and colleges and universities for additional K - 12 learning opportunities near you.


Web Links to information and resources on Supplementary Education Programs

Algebra Project: The Algebra Project is a national mathematics literacy effort aimed at helping low income students and students of color—particularly African American students—successfully achieve mathematical skills that are a prerequisite for full citizenship in the Information Age. The Algebra Project has developed curricular materials, trained teachers & trainers of teachers, and provided ongoing professional development support and community involvement activities to schools seeking to achieve a systemic change in mathematics education. For more information, contact Bob Moses, President, at 617-491-0200 or [email protected] or Benjamin Moynihan, Coordinator of National Initiatives at 617-491-0200 x128 or [email protected].

Barnard College Pre-college Programs: The Office of Pre-College Programs offers learning and leadership opportunities for high school students and provides them with practical tools for navigating the college application process. The office sponsors three major initiatives: Summer in New York is a five-week program where students from across the country and around the world take two college-level courses and explore New York City; College Planning Weekend teaches students and their families in the tri-state area about how to choose a college, financial aid, and write an application essay; the Young Women's Leadership Institute provides leadership training to high school students in the New York metropolitan area. For more information, contact Office of Pre-College Programs, at 212-854-8866 or [email protected].

ERIC-Urban and Minority Youth Development: Sponsored by Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), this website provides information on programs that support the development of "urban/minority" youth.

Girls Inc.: Girls Incorporated is a national not-for-profit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Innovative programs help girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas, confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. For more information, contact Girls Inc., at 800-374-4475.

GearUp: GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) funds partnerships among high-poverty middle schools, colleges and universities, community organizations, and businesses to work with entire grade levels of students. The partnerships provide tutoring, mentoring, information on college preparation and financial aid, an emphasis on core academic preparation and, in some cases, scholarships. For more information, contact GEAR UP at 202-502-7676 or [email protected].

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Precollege Science Institute: The Hughes Medical Institute's Precollege Science Education Program initiatives address national concerns about science literacy in the general population by engaging K-12 students, teachers, and families in science education. The program provides teachers with research opportunities and access to new teaching tools and encourages students to pursue scientific careers. For more information, contact 301-215-8760 or [email protected].

Information Technology Academy: Sponsored by the UW-Madison Division of Information Technology, ITA is an innovative, four year pre-college technology access and training program for talented students of color and economically disadvantaged students attending Madison (Wisconsin) Public Schools. Each year, ITA competitively recruits 15-17 students in their final semester of 8th grade to participate in the program. Selected students receive four years of intensive training in preparation for high tech, IT related careers, in addition to intensive academic support in preparation for competitive University admissions and study. For more information, contact ITA at 608-265-2408.

Kumon Math and Reading Centers: Kumon is an instructional program for children in mathematics and reading emphasizing the mastery of concepts through repeated practice/repetition. Students enrolled in the program begin completing lessons at a "comfortable starting point" and receive individualized instruction, which is catered to their individual academic ability rather than their age or grade level.

Listen, Inc.: Listen, Inc. develops leadership and strengthens the social capital of urban youth ages 14 - 29 for civic engagement and community problem solving. Among their many activities, Listen, Inc. conducts talent-scouting of local youth leaders in the Washington, D.C. metro area, nationwide and internationally; performs research and writing on indigenous youth culture, policy issues and trends affecting urban youth; and trains youth workers in professional development, best practices of urban youth development, non-profit management, group facilitation and public life skills. For more information, contact Lisa Sullivan, President, at 202-483-4494 or [email protected].

NASA SHARP PLUS Program: The NASA Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP) Plus Program is a competitive admissions program sponsored by the Quality Education for Minorities Network in partnership with the Education Division of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Each summer, participating apprentices spend eight weeks at one of 10 colleges and universities conducting research and working on industry- or university-based mathematics, science, and engineering (MSE) activities with adult/professional mentors. Students also live on a college campus, participate in a variety of enrichment activities, and establish relationships with a diversity of other SHARP PLUS apprentices. For more information, contact The Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network at 202-659-1818 or [email protected].

PEOPLE: PEOPLE (Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence) is a pre-college program sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison for middle and high school students of color and disadvantaged students who desire early preparation and exposure to college/university study. During the school year, UW-Madison faculty, staff, and students work with middle school PEOPLE students on academic skills development with special emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics. High school students from various communities throughout Wisconsin spend three to seven weeks of their summers during high school at UW-Madison, and complete a series of internships and college preparatory learning activities and projects that are designed to prepare them for the rigors of postsecondary education. For more information, contact Walter Lane, Associate Dean of Education, PEOPLE Program, at 608-263-4174.

Youth Tech Entrepreneurs: YTE focuses on engaging students who might not otherwise be interested in school, as well as attracting students who might not otherwise consider technology coursework. YTE students develop a tool kit of skills—project management, public speaking, customer service, marketing, web design, and computer troubleshooting-through community—focused technology projects. For more information, contact YTE Central Office at 781-321-0594 or [email protected].


Additional programs, information, research, and resources specifically for academically talented children:

Academic Talent Development Program: Sponsored by the University of California-Berkeley Graduate School of Education, ATDP provides summer programs for highly motivated students entering grades 1 - 12. Courses offer students a chance to gain in-depth knowledge of programs that interest them. For more information, contact ATDP at 510-642-8308 or [email protected].

Center for Talent Development: Sponsored by Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, serving children from preschool - 12th grade from the Upper Midwestern States, CTD operates the Midwest Talent Search (grades 7 - 8) and the Midwest Talent Search for Young Students (grades 3 - 6). For more information, contact Maureen Hanrahan at 847-491-3782 or [email protected].

Center for Talented Youth: Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, but serving both the Eastern and Western Coastal States in the U.S., CTY is the oldest talent center serving academically talented children from preschool to 12th grade in the United States. For more information, contact CTY at 410-516-0337 or [email protected].

Davidson Institute for Talent Development: Founded in 1999 in Nevada, DITD provides various programs and services that recognize, nurture and support profoundly gifted young people and their educators and parents. For more information, contact Marie Capurro, M.Ed., Director of Programs and Services at 775-852-3483 or [email protected].

Talent Identification Program: The Duke University Talent Identification Program identifies academically talented students and provides innovative programs to support the development of students to their optimal educational potential. TIP serves students from 7th - 12th grade and its Motivation for Academic Performance program serves eligible children in 4th - 6th grade. For more information, contact Duke University TIP at 919-684-3847.

Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth: WCATY provides programs and services that support, motivate, and challenge academically talented students in Wisconsin. WCATY emphasizes that rigor in the curriculum, high expectations for student achievement, and a student's personal passion for learning must work in concert if talented students are to excel academically. For more information, contact Susan Corwith, Program Director, at 608-271-1617 ext. 24 or [email protected].

Additional programs offer opportunities for youth to study in other countries for a summer, semester, or entire school year. Check with your child's school counselor or guidance office for information about these and other programs…and be persistent! Also ask other parents whose children attend your child's school. Parents can often be a valuable resource for identifying talented teachers within your school, and programs within and outside school that may support your child's educational needs or interests.

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