Gifted students in Hollister are encouraged to apply for a
summer intensive program held at one of eight renowned college
campuses throughout the country, including the University of
California Berkeley and the University of California Los
Angeles.
Hollister – Gifted students in Hollister are encouraged to apply for a summer intensive program held at one of eight renowned college campuses throughout the country, including the University of California Berkeley and the University of California Los Angeles.
The Summer Institute for the Gifted is a three-week, residential program for accelerated students in the fourth through eleventh grades.
During the program, students are scheduled for five academic periods Monday through Friday. The classes cover humanities, sciences and mathematics, visual and performing arts and fitness and recreation. Each class meets five times a week for 75 minutes, followed by a supervised tutorial study session every evening.
Material is presented in traditional formats such as lectures, question-and-answer sessions and discussion groups, but instruction also ventures into hands-on methods such as debates, construction of models, simulations, dramatic performances and legal briefs.
On weekends, students participate in a variety of activities including off-campus trips, creativity days and extended evening programs.
Students live in dormitory groups of about 10 to 14 other students of the same age and gender. Counselors provide 24-hour supervision.
Eligibility requirements are varied and can be reviewed in the application. Some criteria include students’ test scores, involvement in local talent searches or identification as gifted.
Space is limited, and the deadline for applications is May 1. Other institutions involved in the program are Amherst, Bryn Mawr, Drew, Oberlin and Vassar colleges and Princeton University.
The cost of the program is $3,795 for UC Berkeley, UCLA and Princeton, and $3,495 for the other campuses. The amount covers tuition, lab fees, course material costs, room and board, three meals a day, recreational program costs, evening entertainment program expenses and weekend trips.
A $75 non-refundable application-processing fee and tuition deposit of $200 are due with the application. Limited financial aid is available to families on a need basis.
This is program’s 22nd year. Last year, more than 1,600 students from more than 43 states and 20 countries participated. The Summer Institute for the Gifted is a subsidiary of the American Institute for Foreign Study.
Katie Niekerk is a staff writer. Reach her at 408-847-7097 or [email protected].
