Denison University again will host the midwestern sessions of The Summer Institute for the Gifted in 2000. The three-week residential, co-educational program for academically talented students currently in fourth through eleventh grade returns to the Granville liberal arts college campus from Sunday, July 2, to Saturday, July 22.

The Institute, designed by College Gifted Programs, combines an academic program of introductory and college-level courses, an opportunity for cultural exposure and social growth, and traditional recreational camp activities, according to Dan Holt, midwest regional director.

An open house and information session is scheduled for April 29 at Denison. The open house will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and includes a formal presentation, campus tour, informal question and answer session, and buffet luncheon.

Denison joins five other colleges hosting some 1,500 Summer Institute for the Gifted participants: Drew University (N.J.), Vassar College (N.Y.), Bryn Mawr College (Pa.), Amherst University (Mass.) and the George School (Pa.). Last year, students from 39 states and 14 countries participated in the program.

Fourth through sixth grade participants take two academic and two non-academic courses. Seventh through eleventh grade students can choose to take three academic courses and one non-academic course. Courses vary by grade level and range from introductions to algebra, archeology, creative writing, media and philosophy to college credit classes in anatomy and physiology or political science. Cultural courses examine various subjects, such as theatre, art, music, magic and sign language. Recreational options include tennis, swimming, soccer, volleyball, team sports, archery, fencing, aerobics, chess and strategy.

All students will be housed in Denison residence halls and will eat in the college dining halls. Participants also will have access to Denison's Doane Library and Mitchell Recreation Center.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and are due by Monday, May 3. A non-refundable $75 application fee is required. Tuition for the Institute, set at $2,650, includes all room and board charges, recreational program costs, evening entertainment program expenses, Saturday Get-Away Day costs including transportation and admission fees, and all Special Programs costs. Any textbook, supply or personal costs are the responsibility of the participant. Limited financial aid is available; forms must be submitted before May 15, 2000.

For complete information and application forms, contact Dan Holt at The Summer Institute for the Gifted Midwest Office by mail at Summer Institute for the Gifted, Denison University, Box M,, 43023; by phone at 740/587-2710; or by e-mail at sig@denison.edu.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

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