Davidson Institute for Talent Development facts for kids
The Davidson Institute is an American group that helps really smart kids. It was started by a family named Davidson who used to make computer games for learning. Their main goal is to support children who are very, very talented. They do this by offering helpful information, connecting families, providing special learning chances, and even scholarships.
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Why the Davidson Institute Started
The Davidson family sold their successful computer software company, Davidson & Associates, in 1997. After that, they wanted to help bright young students in America. They felt that very talented students often didn't get enough support in schools. Because of this, they created the Davidson Institute for Talent Development in 1999.
Programs for Talented Students
The Davidson Institute offers many programs and services. These programs help gifted students, their parents, and their teachers.
Davidson Young Scholars
The Davidson Young Scholars program helps very intelligent young people. It is for kids aged 5 to 18 across the United States. This program gives support for schoolwork and helps parents speak up for their child's education. It also helps with how kids grow and develop their special talents.
Right now, more than 3,500 students are part of the Young Scholars program.
THINK Summer Institute
The THINK Summer Institute is a special summer program. It lasts for three weeks and takes place at the University of Nevada, Reno. This program is for very gifted students aged 13 to 16. Students who attend can even earn college credits while they are there.
Since it began in 2004, up to 60 students join the THINK program each summer.
The Davidson Academy
The Davidson Academy (Reno, Nevada) is a unique school for very gifted students. It was created in 2005 after a special law was passed. The Davidsons started the Academy because many parents from their other programs wanted a full-time school.
The Academy has two ways to learn. There is an Online campus for students living anywhere in the U.S. There is also a day school in Reno, Nevada, located at the University of Nevada, Reno.
When the Academy first opened in 2006–2007, 35 students were enrolled. By 2018, 155 students attended the Reno school. Another 34 students learned through the online campus.
Davidson Fellows Scholarships
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship celebrates young people under 18. These students must have created an amazing original project. Their work should have the chance to help society in areas like science, technology, math, music, or writing. There's also a special category called "Outside the Box."
Students who are named Davidson Fellow Laureates receive $50,000 scholarships. Other Davidson Fellows get either a $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship. Since 2001, 286 students have received over $6.7 million in scholarships.
Educators Guild
The Davidson Institute also has an Educators Guild. This is a free online group for teachers, counselors, and school leaders. It helps them connect and share ideas.
Davidson Gifted Database
The Davidson Gifted Database is a huge collection of information. It has many resources for and about gifted students. You can search for articles and find details about policies in different states.
Genius Denied Book
In 2004, the Davidsons wrote a book called Genius Denied: How to Stop Wasting our Bright Young Minds. They wrote it with Laura Vanderkam. The book talks about the challenges and successes that gifted students and their parents often experience.
It explains how the needs of America's brightest students are sometimes not met. The book also gives parents advice on how to help their talented children.
