Center for Gifted Studies Celebrates 30 Years

Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, the Center for Gifted Studies provides support for parents of gifted students, educational programs and camps for gifted youth, and professional development for educators.

The Center began 30 years ago by offering gifted students travel opportunities. Since that time, trips have included China, Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium.

In 1982, Western Kentucky University incorporated a gifted endorsement for teachers into its graduate program. In the same year, they partnered with the Duke TIP Program – a talent search conducted at the 7th grade level. The next year, VAMPY (Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth) began as a joint-venture with Duke University. Today, it hosts over 200 participants from 21 countries and 6 continents.

In 1984, SCATS (Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students) began as a way for teachers to participate in a practicum which was required for their gifted endorsement. Today, the camp serves over 200 students and offers almost 40 classes.

Two years later, the Advanced Placement Summer Institute was established at the Center in cooperation with the College Board to train and certify teachers to become AP teachers. In 1989, the Center for Gifted Studies became an official center at WKU.

The staff for the Center includes Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director; Tracy Ford Inman, Associate Director; Carolyn Hagaman, Coordinator of Summer Programs; and David Baxter and Allison Bemiss, instructors for Project GEMS Magnet School.

Congratulations to the Center for Gifted Studies as they celebrate their 30th year of service to the gifted community July 2, 2011 on the campus of WKU. Information on the celebration can be found here.