Colorado University Summer Enrichment Program

A 2009 Summer Opportunity for Gifted and Talented Children

Mar 5, 2009

This year, for the 32nd time, the University of Northern Colorado offers the Summer Enrichment Program for gifted, talented and creative children.

Since 1978, when the Summer Enrichment Program was founded at the University of Northern Colorado, over 10,000 gifted and talented children from around 25 states, provinces and foreign countries, have attended it.

Participating in the Colorado University Summer Enrichment Program

The two-week program is designed for gifted and talented children entering 5th through 10th grade.

According to Dr. George Betts, the Director of the Program, children chosen for participation can be those showing high performance in specific areas. Such kids may:

The Opportunities Presented by the Summer Enrichment Program

For the two weeks of each session, around 300 gifted and talented children live in a dormitory, supervised by trained counselors, in Greeley, Colorado. The classes children choose to participate take place four times a day, and are 75 minutes each. If the child is not satisfied with the chosen class, he or she has an opportunity to change it for another one.

There are around 100 courses gifted and talented children may participate in. They are developed before the children arrive, so that the classes meet all the specific needs of each individual child.

The courses are taught by certified teachers, and include Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Creative Writing, Debate, History, Cultures, Mathematics, Science, Computers & Technology. They are designed by professionals in gifted education and in each specialized content area.

In the afternoon, after classes are done for the day, children are provided with a range of entertaining activities which are also aimed at facilitating their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Such recreational activities include talent shows, sports, arts, crafts, and others.

The Application Process and Cost of the Summer Enrichment Program

This year, 2009, the first session begins on the 5th of July, and ends on the 18th. The second one starts on July 19, and ends on the 1st of August. The total cost of the Summer Enrichment Program is $1,495. It includes housing, food, tuition, teaching and counseling staff.

In order for the gifted child to be considered for participation, the parents together with the child, must compete and mail an application form to the University of Northern Colorado with a $100 deposit before the 15th of June.

Parents may also apply for a partial or full scholarship for their children to participate in the Summer Enrichment Program. In such a case a letter of support indicating the financial need, and a copy of proof of income should be presented to the University by March 9, 2009.

The Colorado University Summer Enrichment Program for gifted and talented children is an excellent opportunity for gifted and talented children to broaden their minds, gain new experiences, and develop their specific skills and abilities in the company of other gifted kids.

Betts, George. “A Place to Belong for the Highly Gifted: The Summer Enrichment Program at the University of Northern Colorado”. The Hollingworth Center Winter & Spring 13(2):15-18, 2000.

The copyright of the article Colorado University Summer Enrichment Program in Resources for Gifted Children is owned by Alla Kondrat. Permission to republish Colorado University Summer Enrichment Program in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.