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Serving gifted students, their teachers, and their parents since 1982

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.


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Upcoming Fall Workshops

graphic for twice-exceptional students seminar with white background and red dots as accents. There is a picture of speaker Dr. Claire Hughes-Lynch, she is a middle aged white woman with red hair, pink lipstick, and a blue top.

The Twice-Exceptional Students Seminar
Dr. Claire Hughes-Lynch
September 18, 2025

Twice-exceptional (2e) students are gifted students who also have a disability or a learning difference.The workshop is for anyone who supports or works with 2e students in and out of the classroom.

Learn More and Register

graphic with white background and red circles featuring text announcing the Berta Seminar will be held on October 16. Photo of speaker Dr. Del Siegle is featured. He is an older white man with blue eyes, gray hair, and a black blazer.

The Berta Seminar
Dr. Del Siegle
October 16, 2025

Students’ experiences shape their beliefs about themselves, their tasks, and achievement more broadly. These beliefs, in turn, influence whether and how they pursue success. This session will share research-based strategies developed over the past two decades to increase student motivation.

Learn More and Register

this graphic announces the differentiation workshop with speaker Dr. Julia Roberts, an older woman with blonde hair, glasses, and is wearing a white blouse with a black blazer. The event will be on November 5.

The Differentiation Workshop
Dr. Julia Link Roberts
November 5, 2025

This workshop for elementary and middle school general education teachers will provide strategies for making differentiation a routine classroom practice. Working with an instructional unit of their choosing, participants will learn to differentiate for those who need more challenge and those who need additional support.

Learn More and Register

 

Opportunities Abound

1 girl and 2 boys working at desk building bridge from toothpicks

The Center provides services for gifted and talented students in grades 1 - 10, including Saturday and summer programming. Learn more about our student offerings.

three women sitting at a table

Educators of gifted and talented students require professional learning opportunities to best support students. We offer Advanced Placement trainings as well as day workshops discussion differentiation, social/emotional needs, twice-exceptional students, among others. Learn more about our educator offerings.

parents and their child smiling at the camera

families are vital to best providing 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.

 


Talent Identification Program of Kentucky

In late 2020, Duke University announced the closure of Duke’s Talent Identification Program. The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU understands the need to continue this critical program and is committed to talent development. For more information visit the Talent Identification Program of Kentucky (TIP-KYSM) page.


Educator Discount

WKU is offering licensed educators in Kentucky and bordering states a special rate of $350/credit hour. Online options are tailored to working professionals and are taught by award-winning professors.
 
Learn more about the Endorsement in Gifted Education, the MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development, and the Education Specialist in Gifted Education and Talent Development at our Graduate Programs in Gifted Education page.
 
Learn more about WKU’s educator discount here.
 

 

Upcoming Events


Twice-Exceptional Students Seminar
September 18, 2025

Fall Break to Germany
October 3 - 12, 2025

The Berta Seminar
October 16, 2025

Fall Super Saturdays
October 25, November 1, and November 8, 2025

Differentiation Workshop
November 5, 2025

IdeaFestival Bowling Green
February 17, 2026

SCATS
June 7 - 19, 2026

VAMPY
June 21 - July 11, 2026

2026 Advanced Placement Summer Institutes
APSI at WKU - June 22 - 26
APSI Online - June 29 - July 3
APSI in St. Louis - July 13 - 17

Camp Innovate
July 6 - 10, 2026

Camp Explore
July 13 - 17, 2026


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 Last Modified 7/24/25