About Programs for Talented Youth
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth
Vanderbilt University's Programs for Talented Youth seeks to identify and aid academically talented youth from diverse educational, racial, and economic backgrounds by providing academic enrichment and challenge, while fostering balance and healthfulness in their lives.
Begun in 2000 as a summer residential academic program, Programs for Talented Youth has expanded its mission and programming to provide engaging and intellectually appropriate educational opportunities to precocious young students, and to offer support for parents and educators year-round.
Current programs include:
Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA), Programs for Talented Youth's flagship program, serves the needs of highly gifted rising 8th- to 12th-grade students through a fast-paced academic enrichment program on the beautiful Vanderbilt University campus
- Weekend Academy at Vanderbilt University (WAVU), offers an exciting two-day residential learning and social experience for gifted students who are currently in grades 7 through 10
- Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY), offers advanced weekend classes for students in kindergarten through 8th grade
- Parent Support Groups based on the SENG model
- The Julian Stanley Lecture Series
At Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth, we believe that every child deserves an appropriate education that helps him or her develop natural talents and happiness to their fullest potential. If you are interested in learning more about new and growing programs, please contact us.
Dean Camilla Benbow, an internationally recognized researcher of gifted and talented youth, founded Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth in 2000 as a summer residential academic program on the campus of Vanderbilt University. Read about the latest SMPY report in the Vanderbilt Register at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/register/articles?id=30955.
“In my experience, universities can play a role in encouraging and supporting the most talented young learners. And it is important that we do so—for their well-being and for our common future.”
— Dean Camilla Benbow
