We asked 优蜜视频’s Summer Programs Intern Kaitlyn Chen to write a reflection on her journey with 优蜜视频. Check out her post below on how 优蜜视频 influenced important decisions about her future career opportunities!

My name is Kaitlyn, and I鈥檓 currently a sophomore pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in Film at California State University, Long Beach. In 2017, I participated in the program, externing at . Before coming into 优蜜视频, I had a set goal of wanting to become a film editor. For 6 years, I鈥檝e been self-teaching myself how to edit. I鈥檝e volunteered at multiple film festivals and nonprofit organizations in hopes of getting my foot in the door of the industry. However, the majority of the time, I was learning and editing on my own. When I started my junior year of high school, I decided that I wanted a mentor, someone who would guide me through the steps towards becoming a filmmaker, or more specifically, a film editor. I first learned of 优蜜视频 and their through my college and career counselor (Ms. Sisson) as I was nearing the end of my junior year. There, I met Ni帽a, who would become my program coordinator and later my supervisor this summer. I also met my EXPLORE mentor, Dr. Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy, who would later become an influential person in my editing career.

How 优蜜视频 Helped me to Grow

优蜜视频 definitely challenged me socially by helping me step out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new people, ideas, and experiences. The excursions that I visited during my year (2017) and this year (2019) in EXPLORE helped me to grow closer with the other externs and become familiar with the networking process. All it takes is a brief chat with someone, and there you go! You just formed a connection, and the next step is getting in contact with them. Through 优蜜视频, I鈥檝e learned that I shouldn鈥檛 be afraid of people, but of the missed opportunities in life. As the saying goes, 鈥淵ou miss 100% of the shots you don鈥檛 take.鈥� 优蜜视频 helped me see what it meant to be a gifted individual. It didn鈥檛 mean being born a prodigy or being the top 1% of the class (although those could be the cases). There are other individuals whose gifts might not be as obvious, yet they are the ones working their hardest to reach for their dreams.

优蜜视频 also challenged me academically by helping me apply my academic knowledge to the real world. Going into the EXPLORE program, I didn鈥檛 think I would need any prior knowledge, aside from video editing. However, I was wrong. Before I started on my editing project, Professor Amy gave me some books to read and some documentary films to watch. I understood that in order to carry out a project, I needed to know the background information behind it, or more specifically, the historical significance. That鈥檚 when I had to reach into my memory to recall some of the previous information I had learned at school. I never imagined history to be so alive and relevant in today鈥檚 world until I began applying my historical knowledge into everything I did during my externship. Moreover, 优蜜视频 taught me the technical side of the counseling field during these eight weeks I served as an intern. I learned how to format documents, file papers and keep records of the budget. I found these simple tasks to be very useful in my life, and I use them in all the things I do, whether that is formatting my assignments or recording my money spending.

Lights, Camera, Action!

The moment I stepped foot in Professor Amy鈥檚 house, I just knew my filmmaking experience would take a whole different turn. You wouldn鈥檛 believe how many cultural artifacts I saw in her house, especially her living room alone. It鈥檚 like walking into a museum of its own with paintings, musical instruments, books, and so much more. How cool would it be if all filmmakers had studios like this! My filmmaking experience was more fast-paced and contemporary. However, Professor Amy showed me another route I could take that was more slow-paced yet culturally informative. For three weeks, I worked with her in learning about various South / Southeast Asian cultures and getting a chance to edit one of her documentary films. I鈥檝e learned so much about the documentary filmmaking process 鈥撯�� not only the time it took to make a film, but also the time it took to learn all the information about the people and culture being documented. Professor Amy鈥檚 patience, guidance, and wisdom made my first hands-on experience in the EXPLORE program such a memorable one. I felt my work as an editor was even more valuable, knowing that it contributed to a global effort of connecting individuals to each other through cultural awareness. I never felt more valued as an editor when Professor Amy reached out to me after the program, asking me if I can help her edit again. It was that small favor that really ignited my passion for film. If someone believed in my ability, I should believe in it as well. I don鈥檛 think my connection with Professor Amy would鈥檝e been possible without 滨贰础鈥檚 help because they were the ones who initiated the EXPLORE program. It is because of programs like these that allow students (like myself) to continually expand our networks and connect with individuals who are like-minded and passionately driven.

A Step Towards School Counseling

I always knew I had a soft spot for kids. I love being around them. They鈥檙e such a joy to work with because they exude so much energy and optimism. I had the chance to experience these ___ more fully this summer at 优蜜视频, engaging with students from all different backgrounds and grade levels. When I was at Academy and watching over the kids on their breaks, some of them would come up to me and excitedly ask me to play with them, whether that was tag or a board game. I felt like a kid at times, remembering when I used to run around with my friends or become super competitive in Monopoly. There were, however, times when I had to step in and calmly advise the kids not to run out onto the streets or to take turns in the game. On the other hand, when I was interacting with the high school students in the EXPLORE program, I felt, in a sense, more connected to them because I was in their shoes not too long ago. Whenever they voiced their victories, I celebrated with them. Whenever they voiced their defeats, I gave them some advice that others had given me when I was facing similar challenges. These moments of connecting and advice-giving allowed me to develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment that will transcend into my possible counseling career.

Being surrounded by kids/teenagers and interacting with them brought out my inner passion for helping others physically and psychologically. Because of my soft-spoken, compassionate, and observant nature, I believe school counseling might be a great field for me 鈥撯�� one that I can be myself and become the person I want to be. I realized that my purpose in life was to help those in need because the world so desperately needs that at the moment. I feel like my past experiences in counseling elementary and high school students at various nonprofit organizations, especially at 优蜜视频, have ultimately led me to where I鈥檓 at. It didn鈥檛 matter how many people I was helping because I鈥檓 satisfied knowing that helping one person can change his or her world. It鈥檚 strange how I entered 优蜜视频 wanting to pursue one field (film) and coming out wanting to pursue another field (psychology). It just goes to show that life and the choices you make in life are constantly changing. Therefore, you鈥檙e always learning how to adapt to these changes.

Every October, people national wide celebrate National Book Month. Studies have shown that reading not only improves your vocabulary and spelling, but it鈥檚 also good for your mental health. This October, take some time to pick up a new book you鈥檝e been meaning to read or reread some of your favorites.

Below are some featured readings for parents and educators focused on best practices and strategies for raising and educating a gifted child. These books are listed on 滨贰础鈥檚 (GRC), which serves as a free online tool created and curated by 优蜜视频 for our community. The resources listed in the GRC are appropriate for gifted learners from preschool through high school.

Comment below with your favorite reads and don鈥檛 forget to hashtag #NationalBookMonth on your social media to keep the reading train going!

The latest research in child development shows that many kids who have the brain and heart to succeed lack or lag behind in crucial 鈥渆xecutive skills鈥�–the fundamental habits of mind required for getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions. Learn easy-to-follow steps to identify your child鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses, use activities and techniques proven to boost specific skills, and problem-solve daily routines. Small changes can add up to big improvements–this empowering book shows how.

Differently Wired is a revolutionary book鈥攚eaving together personal stories and a tool kit of expert advice from author Deborah Reber, it鈥檚 a how-to, a manifesto, and a reassuring companion for parents who can so often feel that they have no place to turn.

In A Mind at a Time, Dr. Levine shows parents and others who care for children how to identify these individual learning patterns. He explains how parents and teachers can encourage a child’s strengths and bypass the child’s weaknesses. This type of teaching produces satisfaction and achievement instead of frustration and failure.

Based on new surveys of nearly 1,500 gifted teens, this book is the ultimate guide to thriving in a world that doesn鈥檛 always support or understand high ability. Full of surprising facts, survey results, step-by-step strategies, inspiring teen quotes, and insightful expert essays, the guide gives readers the tools they need to appreciate their giftedness as an asset and use it to make the most of who they are.

Recognizing the different levels and kinds of giftedness, this book provides an insight into the challenges and benefits specific to gifted children with attention difficulties. Explaining why certain children are gifted and how giftedness is manifested, each chapter on a specific topic addresses the relevance for children with AD/HD, autism and Asperger Syndrome. Lovecky guides parents and professionals through methods of diagnosis and advise on how best to nurture individual needs, positive behavior and relationships at home and at school.

When is life like a prizefight, a garden, and a quiz show, all hurtling down the road on an office chair, wrapped in song? When you’re living in the land of the gifted and twice-exceptional. Join the author on her journey through discovery, understanding, and acceptance, as she copes with the challenges that only the gifted and twice-exceptional can create.

Designed to provide support for the difficult job of parenting and teaching gifted children, this book provides the resource parents and teachers need to not only understand why gifted children are so extreme in their behavior but also learn specific strategies to teach gifted children how to live with their intensity.

In Genius Denied, the Davidsons — founders of a nonprofit institute that provides assistance to gifted children — offer hope and practical advice to parents and students alike. They show parents how to find an appropriate education for their children, when to go outside the school system, and how to create a support network with school authorities and other parents.

Gifted children and adults are often misunderstood. Their excitement is viewed as excessive, their high energy as hyperactivity, their persistence as nagging, their imagination as not paying attention, their passion as being disruptive, their strong emotions and sensitivity as immaturity, their creativity and self-directedness as oppositional. This resource describes these overexcitabilities and strategies for dealing with children and adults who are experiencing them and provides essential information about Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration.

If you鈥檙e making your book purchase on Amazon, please consider using 滨贰础鈥檚 Amazon Smile as a portion of your purchase will be donated directly to us so we can continue providing high-quality programs and services to gifted and advanced youth nationwide.

This summer, I had the chance to intern at the Institute for Educational Advancement. The eight-week internship went beyond my expectations. I learned so much more than I could have asked for, whether that was figuring out how to entertain Academy students or learning how to juggle different tasks. In the past, I usually had one mentor to guide me throughout my internship. It was different when I entered 优蜜视频. I worked with multiple staff members, learning something new from them each day. I felt like everyone was a mentor to me in some way or another. However, Ni帽a was my main mentor. She not only trained me to be an intern, but also to be a role model for other students. Her kindness, patience and selflessness really spoke volumes to me during this entire process, and I look up to her for that.

My role as an intern included helping both , an academic program tailored towards gifted elementary and middle school students, and , an externship program that immersed high school students into a professional field of their choice. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I would be based at the Academy site, where I would take pictures, watch over the students during their breaks, attend to their needs, assist the other staff members and work on any additional tasks. Interacting with the younger students made me realize that a person should never be judged by his or her age. The brightness and intelligence these students exuded really shone in the classroom and in the relationships they formed with their peers.

Once I finished with Academy tasks, I would then work on EXPLORE, which included recording any budget-related expenses, updating the databases and prepping for the workshops. I also checked, processed and formatted the students鈥� assignments before compiling them into their very own E-portfolios. Overall, I鈥檓 proud of these students for all their hard work. Their E-portfolios reflected the progress they had made over their weeks with the program.

On Fridays, I would switch gears. Instead of being at Academy, I would go on various excursions with Ni帽a and EXPLORE students. Some of the places we visited included Cal Tech, USC and the Arts District. On the first week of EXPLORE, we took a 鈥淕reen Muffin鈥� tour, exploring the heart of Downtown LA. I even went through my very first escape room experience that left me feeling stumped yet exhilarated. My group was so close to escaping! In the weeks following, I sat in on the EXPLORE workshops, where I learned about public speaking, networking, resume-building and the college application process.

Knowing that my time was limited with these students, I tried to make the most out of the workshops we had by getting to know each one of them. I found that the students were not only vocal about their opinions but were also creative in their own little ways. During lunch, the students would separate into their own tight-knit groups, with one group socializing and the other group playing cards. Although both groups had two very different dynamics, they came together quite nicely. The students were very accepting of each other and tried to include everyone in the group discussions and activities. These moments of collaboration made me think of myself as an EXPLORE extern once again.

It鈥檚 strange to think that I went from being an EXPLORE extern to an 优蜜视频 intern. Instead of going through the program, I was now helping to prepare for it. I鈥檒l never forget 优蜜视频 and the impact it has had on my life. 优蜜视频 has given me the tools and confidence I鈥檒l need to succeed in life and in the future. I know that if I ever need advice, support, encouragement, or just someone to talk to, I can always rely on any of the 优蜜视频 staff members. Although my internship is over, the journey isn鈥檛 over for me just yet. I鈥檓 planning on volunteering with 优蜜视频 throughout the school year. Who knows where the organization will lead me next? I鈥檓 excited to find out!

You can view many of Kaitlyn鈥檚 photo from this Summer on 滨贰础鈥檚 . Check out the and photo albums to see photos of her experience this Summer.

Each year during the month of May, organizations like and , raise awareness and highlight the importance of mental health through local events, media, and health screenings. The unfortunate reality is there is a growing number of Americans who are living with mental illness or have been impacted by trauma. This, in turn, can significantly affect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Mental health organizations, like NAMI, work to support, educate, and advocate for policies that assist children, families, and communities.

As an organization, 优蜜视频 is also dedicated to serving the holistic development and needs of gifted youth by recognizing that they have important aspects of themselves, including intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical. These unique facets of gifted youth must be met for them to find balance in their lives and actualize their full potential. We know that some of these young people are more vulnerable to facing social and emotional challenges that stem from being gifted and trying to navigate a world that doesn鈥檛 readily accept or understand them.

In support of National Mental Health Month and to acknowledge the importance of mental well-being among our gifted youth, we鈥檝e compiled a list of mental health professionals and organizations who understand and have experience working with gifted families and communities.

Licensed and SENG-certified psychologist, Dr. Vula Baliotis, is based out of the Los Angeles area and specializes in working with gifted, creative, and highly sensitive youth and their parents. She offers psychotherapy and consultation for children and parents and assessment for twice exceptionality, learning disabilities, and emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties.

CFC utilizes a connection-based model that provides more comprehensive services for families, with independent professionals ranging from psychotherapy to parent education to neuropsychological assessments, from physical health and educational therapy to occupational therapy, and more.

The Center for the Gifted, located in Philadelphia and led by Dr. Suzanne Schneider, was established in 1983 to meet the needs of gifted people of all ages. Services include counseling and psychotherapy, gifted identification, vocational interest testing and guidance, and workshops and publications focusing on the needs of the gifted population.

The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. They work to deliver the highest standard of care, advance the science of the developing brain, and empower parents, professionals, and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most.

Gloria Sandford MA, LMHC specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy and has worked with a variety of issues concerning adults, children, marital issues, families, and support groups. She is a professional member and trained Parent Facilitator of and a Certified Lifespan Integration therapist.

The Daimon Institute for the Highly Gifted provides psychotherapy and educational consulting to support the overall development of exceptionally and profoundly gifted people. Located in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, their practice implements the Integral Practice for the Gifted model which addresses all aspects of the gifted individual: intellectual, emotional, moral, spiritual, social and physical.

Gunn Psychological Services is a group of professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality psychological services and referrals, including developmental, psychoeducational, and intellectual giftedness assessments, as well as individual, family, couples and group therapy.

Linda Powers-Leviton is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child therapist who specializes in counseling for the gifted. Since 1974, she has developed and taught programs to help parents and educators best reach children with learning and emotional challenges. Her expertise with the gifted population, particularly twice-exceptional youth, has prepared her to offer a unique specialized program to address the needs of this community.

As a clinical psychologist in practice for over 30 years, Dr. Post specializes in gifted adults and adolescents. Through private practice, she offers individual, couples, family and group therapy for adults and adolescents; consultation and supervision for treatment professionals; and educational consultation services for gifted children and adolescents.

SENG is a national organization which seeks to inform gifted individuals, their families, and the professionals who work with them, about the unique social and emotional needs of gifted persons. SENG supports programs that foster in gifted individuals the mental health and social competence necessary for them to be free to choose ways to develop and express their abilities and talents fully.

Summit Center provides educational and psychological assessments, consultation, and treatment for children, their parents, and families. Summit works with all kids 鈥� including those who are gifted, those with learning challenges, and those who are twice-exceptional.

Terry Bradley is a gifted education consultant specializing in the social and emotional aspects of giftedness. Her services include a full-day workshop training for school personnel and mental health professionals on facilitating discussion groups for gifted K-12 students; a professional development training on the affective needs of the gifted; and a presentation for parents on what to know when raising gifted youth.

Tyler Institute provides high-quality mental health services by qualified professionals to children, adolescents, adults and families. Anne Tyler, its founder, is devoted to helping children, adolescents, families and adults work through mental health challenges in order to live up to their potential and manifest their talents and strengths in a more vibrant way in everyday life.

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Patty has provided individual, couple, family, and group counseling to gifted and profoundly gifted individuals across the life span, from very young children to people in their elder years. Her therapeutic orientation is holistic with a relationship focus.

For additional resources, visit our online (GRC) which contains an ever-growing and robust listing of over 800 resources appropriate for gifted learners from pre-k through high school.

Want to share a resource? Email GRC@educationaladvancement.org or comment below!

滨贰础鈥檚 online (GRC) contains an ever-growing and robust listing of over 800 resources appropriate for gifted learners from preschool through high school. We carefully research and vet resources that span six categories, including Advocacy, Gifted Programs and Services, Schools, Scholarships and Competitions, Articles and Media, Twice-Exceptional.听 Based on these listings, we鈥檝e also put together downloadable guides that organize these resources by category. So far, we鈥檝e published two guides on and and aim to release a guide highlighting schools for gifted and advanced students throughout the United States.

Below is a list featuring 10 gifted schools in California that will be shared in our upcoming guide:

(Grades 6-12)

Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, located in Eagle Rock, California. ERHS serves students in grades 7 鈥� 12 through a comprehensive junior and senior high school, as well as a Magnet program serving gifted, high ability, and highly gifted students in grades 7 鈥� 12.

(Grades 6-8)

Portola Highly Gifted Magnet, established in 1979, shares the campus of Portola Middle School. It is the only middle school program in LAUSD designed specifically to meet the needs of highly gifted students.

(Grades K-8)

GATE Academy is a year-round day school dedicated to educating academically-gifted students in grades K鈥�8 with an inquiry-based curriculum. They cluster motivated and cognitively gifted students in small groups with their intellectual peers and provide them with an inquiry-based, accelerated, self-paced curriculum in a school environment that celebrates them for who they are.

(Grades K-8)

Learning at Helios School takes place through meaningful authentic projects which may include field work, inquiry, discovery, direct instruction, and interaction with the environment. This project-based learning environment offers the rigor, depth, and complexity gifted learners need. Equally important, Helios students thrive socially.

(Grades 6-8)

The Knox School of Santa Barbara is private school serving K through 8th grade and specifically designed for the gifted learner. They seek to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment where, alongside an engaging and challenging curriculum, the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students are respected and compassionately supported.

(Grades K-8)

Mirman School is an independent, co-educational day school for highly gifted children in grades K-8 located in Los Angeles. They cultivate the boundless potential of highly gifted children, nurture their passions and talents, and develop a diverse community of creative and constructive lifelong learners.

(Grades 9-12)

The Highly Gifted Magnet (HGM) was established in 1989 as part of the voluntary integration program of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Its goals are twofold:听integration and a college preparatory curriculum that serves students who have an LAUSD intellectual assessment exam scoring in the 99.5%-99.9%.听 HGM students receive the benefits of a small academic program 鈥� a core of teachers and a small student body who know each other well, mixed with the advantages of attending a public, urban high school.

(Grades PreK-12)

Since 1967, Nueva has offered an innovative and award-winning learning experience specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted learners. By creating an inspiration community-based environment, Nueva seeks to unlock the passions, purpose, and potential in each student while inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

(Grades 6-8)

Walter Reed Middle School is a traditional school in North Hollywood, CA that implements a gifted curriculum model designed to offer a full program for many needs, including an IHP (Individual Honors Program) and a comprehensive program for students with challenging needs.

(Grades 9-12)

Whitney High School is a public magnet school in Cerritos, California serving students 7th through 12th grade, offering alternative education for high achieving students selected throughout the district. WHS strives to develop intrinsically motivated, collaborative learners who approach their education purposefully and creatively, preparing academically proficient students for entrance to and success at their best-match university.

Interested in exploring more schools and resources? Head over to our today!

If you鈥檇 like to help support 滨贰础鈥檚 mission and increase your brand鈥檚 visibility nationwide, consider in our upcoming resource guide!

The schools listed above are not sponsored or endorsed by the Institute for Educational Advancement.

It’s that time of the year again, when high school students across the country are entering the most intense phase of their college journey: college applications and decisions!

Just when gifted students have finally found the appropriate educational services at their high school or homeschool, they are now tasked with identifying a new learning environment that will best serve their needs. Important factors including school size, curriculum, course offerings, extra-curricular activities, campus culture and cost loom large as students try to find the 鈥渞ight鈥� fit.听 Even though there are a plethora of college-oriented resources for parents and students in general, we鈥檝e compiled a list of suggested resources specifically aimed at helping gifted and advanced students on their college selection journey:

Kate Duey is the founder of Admission Planning, LLC and has advised students on college and graduate school applications for over thirty years. She鈥檚 also worked with 优蜜视频 supporting gifted students since 2009 and has a wealth of knowledge about their unique challenges and their wonderful potential. Kate has a BA from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She earned a College Counseling Certification from UCLA and is member of the National Association of College Admission Counselors, the Western Association of College Admission Counselors and the California Association for the Gifted. She has also facilitated several EXPLORE workshops for high school students and meetings, where she鈥檚 discussed How to Prepare Gifted Students for the College Application Process. See the recorded livestream of her talk on !

Are you hyper-intelligent? Self-directed? A late-bloomer? Or just different? This book covers the most exciting schools in the United States and Canada, with a new chapter on eco-schools, an update on tuition-free schools and the total low-down on the so-called top-ranked schools. When you need a great school that will challenge, nurture, inspire, and motivate you and this book will also give you the scoop on things like:

• Totally free schools, including one where financial need is a requirement for admission
• Universities that don鈥檛 give grades
• Schools where you can design your own degree program
• Science and engineering schools where undergrads get their own labs
• Campuses where students love to study, even on Saturday nights
• Schools that offer programs in computer game studies, comedy, auctioneering, special-effects makeup, and more

Sure, prestigious colleges are easy to recognize, but there are a handful of Colleges that Change Lives that offer unique learning environments and experiences that may fit the needs of a gifted high schooler. CTCL has a comprehensive that offer exceptional features, like 96% of faculty have a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, the only college in the country with a research nuclear reactor that is staffed primarily by undergraduates, a college with an option for a self-designed major and the college that ranks in the top five percent among all colleges and universities for students ultimately earning a Ph.D. CTCL also offers a national series of information sessions and college fairs for students, parents and college counselors. Check out the page for a list of their upcoming fair dates and locations.

College Board鈥檚 BigFuture is a free comprehensive web resource that improves the college planning process by providing a step-by-step approach to make college planning easier to navigate for students. Students and educators collaborated to create the interactive tools and videos that guide students as they find, afford and enroll in a college that鈥檚 a good fit for them. BigFuture helps families see that college is possible, find schools that fit their needs and keep their students on track toward a college education.

What is it like to be 13 and going to college? This book describes 14 highly gifted, young women, now in their 30s, who left home to go to college at age 13 to 16, skipping all or most of high school. The authors describe what they were like as young college students, the leadership, idealism and sense of purposefulness that they developed, and their lives 10-to-13 years later. This inspirational book also helps educators and parents of gifted children understand that gifted kids need academic challenge, that there are colleges with specific programs for such students, that it doesn’t harm them to leave home early and that keeping them interested in learning is vitally important

TiLT Parenting was founded by Deborah Reber, a parenting activist, bestselling author and speaker as a website, podcast and social media community for parents raising differently wired kids. For this podcast, Deborah interviewed Susan Hyatt about her son launching and starting college at an out of state school and how that transition happened. This episode is also about the transition to college for a differently-wired student, but from the point of view of an educator and consultant who specializes in helping atypical kids be successful before, during, and after this transition. Things you鈥檒l learn from this episode include:

• The real story behind if, and how, colleges and universities support their differently wired students.
• The difference between accommodations and services in the university setting.
• Whether or not universities recognize IEPs and 504 Plans.
• How to find the best university for your child when it comes to how well their needs will be supported.
• How students can best set themselves up for success throughout the application process.
• What parents with younger children can be working on today to support this transition in the future.

This paper by citizen activist and gifted advocate Sandra L. Berger delves into the characteristics of gifted students that affect their college planning, suggests recommendations to help resolve the problems encountered by gifted students, shares important steps to learn about colleges and discusses the points of view to consider when thinking about the application process.

Figuring out how to pay for college can often be overwhelming! 优蜜视频 has curated a comprehensive Scholarships and Competitions Guide which provides a library of over 100 resources for students in grades K-12. The guide is indexed by topic to assist the gifted student in finding the most appropriate opportunity to suit their unique interests and talents. You can find a list of additional resources for gifted youth at .

Admission Matters demystifies the college application process and offers practical advice for choosing the right school, writing an effective essay, navigating financial aid and more. It helps all students who are applying to college understand the process and find the school that fits their needs, provides expanded information on testing, early decision/early action, applying as a home schooler, tackling the dreaded college essay and offers updated advice on financial aid in tough economic times.

10. SENGinar: Surviving the College Transition: A Gifted Undergraduate鈥檚 Perspective

In this interactive, discussion-oriented presentation, Trent Cash, a gifted second-year Eminence Fellow at The Ohio State University, will start a conversation about how these common traits of giftedness have affected his transition into college while discussing strategies for overcoming the challenges they can present.

If you have a resource you鈥檇 like to share, please include it in the comments down below for other readers to consider! For additional resources appropriate for the gifted learner from preschool through high school, visit 滨贰础鈥檚 online .

Since I started working at 优蜜视频 three years ago, I鈥檝e witnessed the remarkable evolution of our program offerings and have had the opportunity to spearhead , a summer externship program that was piloted in 2016 for high school students. What started as an initiative to cultivate local high school talent, continued to build positive momentum and increase in the total number of gifted students served each year, both locally and internationally. 听After a successful pilot-year of EXPLORE, we found there was a niche for opportunities focused on mentorship and real-world, professional experience. Most high schoolers who are ready for advanced research work were competing with a pool of college and graduate level students who already possessed the educational, and sometimes professional, qualifications. It was often difficult for them to convince organizations or university-level labs to take them on as interns. Despite this, students who participated in EXPLORE continue to prove that the next generation have so much to offer and are highly capable of working along-side professionals and college-level researchers. EXPLORE, as with other 优蜜视频 initiatives, developed as a result of our community鈥檚 need for access to optimally challenging learning opportunities, and 滨贰础鈥檚 strong effort to find a way to serve these learners.

This year, I was entrusted once again to pilot a program, this time for 7^th through 12^th grade, called (LABS). The creation of the LABS Series was a direct result of numerous requests from students and parents who wanted a program that would engage learners in the 鈥榠n-between鈥�—they were too young to participate in advanced programs focused on college and career development and too old to avail of other enrichment opportunities. Additionally, for many of these students, there was a desire to not only become immersed in challenging and unique learning experiences, but to be surrounded by like-minded peers their age. In evaluating the need for such a program, 优蜜视频 also evaluated our current initiatives and noticed there were students aging out of that were not being served. We wanted to find a way to keep them engaged and involved with additional programming. As with other students who were 鈥榠n-between鈥�, these students want opportunities that foster their curiosity and passion for STEM and are content-rich, research-based and hands-on.

LABS Series emerged as a way for 优蜜视频 to nurture the needs of these bright, inquisitive learners and further serve them through Academy and beyond. We hoped to give students access to new knowledge and introduce them to the skills needed to be a successful scientific researcher through workshops facilitated by passionate professionals in the STEM field. We received an overwhelmingly great response from our community when we launched the first LABS Series in March 2018. With only 15 spots available for the first workshop, there was a waiting list after two weeks of opening the program. The first workshop was facilitated by Ivanna Escala, an NSF/Ford Graduate Research Fellow at the Caltech Department of Astronomy, who discussed the Chemical Evolution of Galaxies. Ivanna shared her research about galactic chemical evolution and guided students through a hands-on activity to investigate the basic properties of the visible light spectrum using various lamps and spectroscopes.

The proceeding line-up of LABS featured more incredible scientists and innovative research topics, including:

• Ecology and Water in Desert Biological Soil Crust Ecosystems with Dr. Kirsten Fisher, Associate Professor, Graduate Advisor Biological Sciences at Cal State Los Angeles
• Plant Ecology with Dr. Alexandra Wright, Assistant Professor of Ecology at Cal State Los Angeles
• Circadian Rhythms in Genetics with Dr. Susan E. Cohen, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Cal State Los Angeles
• The Neuromechanics of Sensory Systems with Bradley Dickerson, Ph.D., NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow and California Alliance AGEP Fellow at Caltech

In reflecting on the successful implementation of pilot programs, like LABS Series and EXPLORE, I can鈥檛 help but feel elated to see the growth of programs that were built from the ground up and organically formed as a result of a need from our community. It makes every bit of progress more meaningful and further inspires me to do the work I do with this population of learners. I am then reminded that whenever there is a need, 优蜜视频 finds a way! 优蜜视频 continually strives to meet gifted learners where they are in their educational journey and always has an open door to families in need of something more.

To learn more about LABS Series or to register for our September 22^nd workshop on 鈥淪imple Math Problems No One Knows How To Solve. Yet.鈥� with Professor Mike Krebs, visit the !

Are you a high school student looking for a dynamic, challenging summer experience? Look no further than the ! Here are five reasons why you should join us this summer.

1. Hands-On Experience

鈥�I learned what a career in research looks like, I gained a lot of confidence from being independent and verbally participating in meetings, I gained lots of experience in the field of data science. These are all important because they have helped me grow personally and academically and set me apart from other students.鈥� -2016 Alum

EXPLORE externs don鈥檛 get the stereotypical intern experience of fetching coffee, doing routine office work and entering data. Instead, they get a unique, hands-on opportunity to assist with research at prominent institutions across Los Angeles. Additionally, they gain first-hand knowledge about working in a professional setting.

2. Intellectually-Challenging Placements

听鈥淏efore I started the program, I had no prior work experience, so I didn鈥檛 really know what to expect [鈥while this externship was no doubt challenging, it did help bolster my confidence in my own abilities [鈥 that I do have the proper skill set to succeed within this industry.鈥�-2017 Alum

Designed for advanced learners, . Students have an opportunity to work in university laboratories and professional environments where they help to conduct research aimed at solving real-world problems. 听They are challenged to discover their talents and are encouraged to pursue their full potential.

3. Grow Your Network

鈥�I feel EXPLORE really addresses the importance of networking and explained how to do so very well and showed the importance of teamwork.鈥� -2017 Alum

Through the EXPLORE program, students build a strong support system that can last a lifetime. They can make connections with mentors and organization employees who can provide educational guidance and personal insights in the career field, and become part of a community of like-minded peers who share similar goals and passions . They also learn the importance of networking and how to expand their professional connections.

4. Personal and Professional Growth

鈥�I learned many things I didn鈥檛 previously know about myself. One of these is that, when given space and time and I put in my full effort, I can be very creative and productive.鈥�-2017 Alum

Students spend the summer strengthening their professional skills by immersing themselves in stimulating and intensive learning experiences and working alongside leaders and experts in their particular field of study. Once a week, they join with fellow externs to participate in college and career workshops focused on topics such as public speaking, applying to college, interviewingand resume writing. Both aspects of the extern experience aim to encourage students to actualizetheir full professional and personal potential.

5. Guidance from Distinguished Professionals

鈥淚 really enjoyed seeing a young, hopeful, intelligent and hard-working student. It made me believe that our future is in good hands and minds!鈥�-EXPLORE Mentor

One of the most unique aspects of the EXPLORE program is that it matches high school students with in their field of choice, something normally reserved for students at the university level. These mentors provide guidance that we hope will last long beyond the duration of the program.

Are you ready to EXPLORE this summer? Apply by April 16^th to join this summer鈥檚 cohort!

Like this post?听听to receive more stories, information, and resources about gifted youth straight to your inbox.

To celebrate the beginning of a new year, we wanted to take a look back at some noteworthy moments from 2017!

优蜜视频 has expanded and bought a house!

Through the generosity of our donors, 优蜜视频 was able to purchase a beautiful craftsman home in Pasadena. The new space houses our programs, Academy classes, and monthly听 Gifted Support Groups. This past December, we hosted a Tree Trimming and Open House where families had the opportunity to take a guided tour, observe Academy classes, meet our dynamic Academy instructors, make DIY holiday ornaments, check out student work and nosh on cookies and hot cocoa.

优蜜视频 released results from a .

We commissioned the first ever national survey assessing the American public鈥檚 views on gifted education which found overwhelming bipartisan public support for increased funding for programs and resources for gifted students. It also indicated that the public recognizes the gifted population is often underserved. As a follow up in September, 优蜜视频 gathered gifted education leaders from across the country in Pasadena to discuss the next steps in advocating for a policy solution championing gifted learners. The gathering included a presentation of the poll results, roundtable discussions, 听and a conversation on how organizations can work together to advocate for our nation鈥檚 gifted students. We are working on to inform and create change.

Students, parents, and supporters gathered for 滨贰础鈥檚 Summer Spotlight.

In July, over 100 students, parents, and supporters of 优蜜视频 gathered at The Barder House for event where families enjoyed interactive demonstrations of our programs conducted by 优蜜视频 students and Academy instructors, connected with other families with gifted children, and chowed down on a complimentary barbeque dinner and drinks!

Twenty-eight middle-schoolers from across the country were named 2017 Scholars.

From an applicant pool of 386 students, CDB鈥檚 largest-ever applicant pool, 55 Finalists were selected by three Scholarship Selection Committees comprised of a diverse group of school admissions directors, CDB alumni, university personnel and community and business leaders nationwide. Following extensive personal interviews, 28 of the Finalists were selected as recipients of the 2017 scholarship. Congratulations to our !

Twenty talented high school students worked with distinguished Mentors through .

Students were thoughtfully matched with mentors who shared similar passions in their career field of interest and had professional trajectories externs hoped to pursue in the future. These externs conducted college level research and work in fields such as biomathematics, computer science, architecture, pediatric medical research, ethnomusicology and more. Also, as a new component of EXPLORE, students met every Friday to attend educational excursions and workshops geared towards building their college and career readiness.

Yunasa brought together 113 campers for a summer of fun outdoor activities, workshops led by our beloved Fellows, and community-building events.

This year, Yunasa accepted the most campers it has in its 15 years of operation. We welcomed back 77 returning campers and 36 new campers for Yunasa and Yunasa West. The goal of the one week camp is to balance all sides of giftedness 鈥撎齣ntellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Hannah, a 4th year Yunasa camper, shares her experience about finding her tribe at Yunasa .

Teacher trainings brought Academy instructors together to share their experience, knowledge and creative ideas.

Academy conducted 3 pre-session teacher trainings to help prepare our instructors to work with our community of gifted learners. Trainings covered such topics as support for twice-exceptional students and guest speakers included Sharon Duncan from GRO Gifted and 滨贰础鈥檚 very own, President Betsy Jones.

优蜜视频 honored three valued members of the 优蜜视频 community, Dr. Tony Travouillon, Jason Roberts and Sandy Roberts, at the .

In November, we hosted 90 guests at the University Club in Pasadena for our annual fundraiser. The evening brought together program alumni, Mentors, parents, board members, and supporters of 优蜜视频 听and we also honored including Academy Instructor, Dr. Tony Travouillon, who received the Educator Award, and Sandy and Jason Roberts of Math Academy who received the Community Advocate Award. The event raised nearly $30,000 to support 滨贰础鈥檚 programs for gifted youth! Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this event!

We鈥檝e grown our online presence through our redesigned .

The Gifted Resource Center (GRC) is a free public tool created and curated by 优蜜视频 which serves as an online database of resources for the gifted community. To date, the database has over 450 gifted resources and over 15,000 page views.

优蜜视频 hosted nine free meetings.

During the school year, we offer complimentary monthly talks featuring experts on various aspects of gifted youth and education. These talks are intended for parents and educators of gifted children to provide support and community, a venue for shared discovery, and a space to exchange resources and ideas. Previous topics include Mindfulness and the Whole Child, Gifted Resource Swap, Gifted and Teenage, Homeschooling 101 and Finding the Right School Fit.

Four joined our small but mighty team.

Anvi Kevany, Administrative Assistant
Abby Daniels, Director of Development & Communications
Nicole Endacott, Program Assistant
Hillary Jade, Program Manager

And, most importantly, 优蜜视频 programs supported more than 453 bright young minds!

Needless to say, 优蜜视频 had a lot to celebrate in 2017 and we could not have done any of this without the help of our amazing community!

优蜜视频 continues to receive remarkable support from families who have benefited from our programs, as well as community partners who believe in our mission and work. Thank you to everyone who generously contributed this year, and to our amazing volunteers who assisted in our programming, marketing, and fundraising efforts. Thanks to you, we are able to deliver highly customized programs to more bright and eager learners across the country.

We look forward to an impactful 2018!

Like this post?听听to receive more stories, information, and resources about gifted youth straight to your inbox.

]]> /blog-iea-2017-highlights/feed/ 0 /blog-snapshots-of-summer/ /blog-snapshots-of-summer/#respond Wed, 30 Aug 2017 00:02:08 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-snapshots-of-summer/ Curated by Ni帽a Abonal, Senior Program听Coordinator

From staff members traveling to conduct interviews, camps teeming with energetic campers, classes bustling with curious learners, and students externing at sites all over Los Angeles, summertime at 优蜜视频 is nothing short of eventful. Not only are all our programs in full swing, but we also host our annual Summer Spotlight to bring families together and celebrate the work of our amazing, gifted students.

In between all the hustle and bustle of programs and events, there are magical moments that make all the preparation and hard work worthwhile. One thing holds true about the staff members at 优蜜视频 is that we genuinely enjoy the work we do and are passionate about the students and families we work with! Below are some favorite moments from this summer from the eyes of our dynamic 优蜜视频 staff members.

“This year鈥檚 EXPLORE cohort exemplified the magic that can happen when passionate, gifted learners find their tribe—they can be their true selves and flourish.听 The culmination of EXPLORE, and frankly any 优蜜视频 program, is filled with happy celebration of the students鈥� accomplishments, but also bittersweet goodbyes from amazing students. With each culminating cohort, I come to realize that even though these students will go their separate paths, they will forever be connected to one another through this unique, shared experience.听 This year鈥檚 closing circle activity, served as a symbol of the various connections students made this summer—with their mentors, 优蜜视频 staff, and peers. Even though they are now alumni, they will always be part of the 优蜜视频 family and, no matter where they go in life, 优蜜视频 will never let go of them until they decide to let go of us.鈥� – Ni帽a, Program Coordinator

“I had many favorite moments this summer, getting to know and experience all of 滨贰础鈥檚 programs. But a highlight was witnessing the teams of campers at Yunasa build sand sculptures that epitomize an emotion. This picture captures the word 鈥渁cceptance鈥� as two hands are reaching toward one another, with a heart nearby showing that love is part of acceptance. Simple, but brilliant. The campers were truly amazing.鈥� – Abby, Director of Development and Communications

鈥淎t this year鈥檚 Summer Spotlight, Academy teacher Grayson Kent brought a komodo dragon to share with families in our community. It was so sweet to watch families interacting with this amazing animal and learning about him together.鈥�听– Morgan, Assistant to the President

听
“This photo is of 2015 CDB Scholar Amy Cavet and her alpaca friend that was taken on a family summer vacation to England where her parents are from. I love the juxtaposition of the two smiling faces and the obvious JOY of a summer spent with family and travel. The photo is special to me because it came unsolicited from Amy and shows the connectivity of this community with me year round.” – Bonnie, CDB Scholarship Manager

鈥淚 love this photo from our Summer Spotlight event because I think it displays the spirit of 滨贰础鈥檚 community. A CDB Scholar is showing a young Academy student how to drive a robot he built. It鈥檚 always inspiring to see older students helping younger kids explore their curiosity.鈥� – Nicole, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

“When I think of Yunasa, my heart is filled with joy. Both camps went beautifully 鈥� returning campers demonstrated leadership in welcoming new campers to the tribe, and new campers opened their heart to embrace new ideas and activities. There are many highlights at both camps; one that came to mind is the BBQ and campfire at the beach in Michigan. That evening, campers had a cookout near the waterfront, afterwards, some gathered to play cards, others sat together to make crafts or draw, some played music, and the more active ones played a game of ultimate Frisbee. Some campers were so looking forward to play in the water, so they had a swimming match. The night concluded with camp songs, skits, games and roasted s鈥檓ores over camp fire. It was a lovely summer night!鈥�– Qiao, Program Coordinator

鈥淢y favorite moment was seeing old friends and meeting new people at our Summer Spotlight. Being behind the scenes in admin doesn鈥檛 afford me the opportunity to hang out with our community often, so it鈥檚 always rewarding to spend time with people in involved in our programs.鈥� – Zadra, Director of Operations

To view more memorable moments from each program, visit page to view more photos from all our summer programs!

Like this post?听听to receive more stories, information, and resources about gifted youth straight to your inbox.