The Center for Gifted Studies
Serving gifted students, their teachers, and their parents since 1982
Where Gifted Learners Discover Their Potential
Located on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their families for over 45 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, rigorous professional development for teachers, and support for families of gifted young people. Under the direction of Dr. Julia Roberts, The Center has become one of the preeminent advocates for gifted education in the United States.
The Center believes that when gifted young people meet their extraordinary potential, our communities, our state, our nation—even our world—become better places. That is why each school year, The Center renews its commitment to encouraging excellence by providing quality programming and resources for gifted students, their teachers, and their families.
Fall Opportunities for Educators
William & Mary Webinars Fall 2026
Welcome to the World of the Integrated Curriculum Model! The Rationale and Curriculum
Options for Elementary Classrooms - October 20
Stories, Societies, and Significance: ELA and Social Studies Curriculum for Gifted Secondary Students - October 28
Real-World Science, Real-World Inquiry: Problem-Based Learning for Gifted Middle Schoolers with W&M Curriculum - October 29
Explore practical, research-based approaches to enriching learning for gifted and
advanced students through these webinars featuring William & Mary’s Center for Gifted
Education curriculum. Participants will discover strategies for integrating advanced
content, analytical thinking, creative connections, and real-world problem-solving
across elementary and secondary classrooms. From interdisciplinary learning in ELA,
social studies, science, and mathematics to rigorous humanities studies and inquiry-driven
science investigations, these sessions will provide insights and curriculum examples
to help educators deepen student understanding, foster critical and creative thinking,
and create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that challenge and inspire high-ability
learners. All webinars are no-cost and will take place from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central
Time.
The Principals Cohort for Advanced Content
October 27 - 28, 2026
House Bill 190 required Kentucky districts to establish a plan for advanced coursework.
To support this initiative, we are inviting elementary and middle school principals
to join The Center for Gifted Studies for The Principals Cohort for Advanced Content. This cohort will bring together principals from across the state to share ideas
about how to best serve our advanced learners. Meetings will be held at Western Kentucky
University. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. We hope you will join us to discuss
how to best serve advanced learners at local schools and beyond.
The Victoria Fellows
November 10 - 11, 2026
The Victoria Fellows were founded in 2011 thanks to a gift from Linda and John Kelly
and their daughter, Victoria, a longtime volunteer at The Center. Their goal was to
establish an initiative to build an advocacy group for young people who are gifted
and talented in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The resulting Victoria Fellows is composed
of superintendents from throughout Kentucky who meet twice a year to listen to speakers,
network, and share ideas.
Opportunities Abound
The Center provides services for gifted and talented students in grades 1 - 10, including Saturday and summer programming. Learn more about our student offerings.
Educators of gifted and talented students require professional learning opportunities to best support students. We offer Advanced Placement trainings as well as day workshops discussing differentiation, social/emotional needs, twice-exceptional students, among others. Learn more about our educator offerings.
Families are vital to providing the best for gifted children. Our opportunities allow families to learn best practices for social/emotional development, strategies for working with twice-exceptional students, and more. Learn more about our offerings for families.
Educator Discount
Upcoming Events
Advanced Learning Differentiation Cohort
Sept. 17, Oct. 15, and Nov. 12, 2026
Fall Super Saturdays
Oct. 17, 24, & 31, 2026
William & Mary Webinars
Oct. 20, Oct. 28, & Oct. 29, 2026
The Principals Cohort for Advanced Content
Oct. 27 - 28, 2026
The Victoria Fellows
Nov. 10 - 11, 2026
Winter Super Saturdays
February 6, 13, & 20, 2027
IdeaFestival Bowling Green
February 17, 2027
Wedge Visiting Scholar Presentation
Featuring Dr. Scott Sonenshein
March 2, 2027
Spring Travel Abroad in England
April 2 - 11, 2027
TIP-KY Recognition Ceremony
May 14, 2027
National STEM Scholar Program
May 30 - June 4, 2027
SCATS
June 6 - 18, 2027
VAMPY
June 20 - July 10, 2027
Advanced Placement Summer Institute
WKU - June 21 - 25, 2027
Online - June 28 - July 2, 2027
St. Louis - July 12 - 16, 2027
Online Week 2 - July 26 - 30, 2027
Camp Explore
June 28 - July 2, 2027
Camp Innovate
July 5 - 9, 2027
Fall Break Travel Abroad to The Netherlands
October 1 - 10, 2027
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