Rutgers University's Division of Continuing Studies (�DoCS�) and Higher Education, Resources and Opportunities for Exceptional Scholars (�HEROES�) today announced that they will award $2,700 in scholarships in conjunction with a Talent Search. The Talent Search is designed to identify exceptionally gifted middle school and high school students, recognize them for their exceptional academic aptitude and help them access academic opportunities designed for exceptionally able students.
Elizabeth Beasley, Director, New Brunswick Summer & Special Projects at Rutgers University states, "We are delighted to be able to recognize exceptional younger scholars through this Talent Search program, in partnership with HEROES. At the Rutgers New Brunswick campus, we have seen a growing number of younger students (aged 10-17) register for university courses in Summer Session - and perform exceedingly well. We hope to use the Talent Search program to increase awareness of university resources and programs available to these younger, gifted students."
The Talent Search will provide additional insights about each student's level of giftedness and help determine their readiness to participate in more challenging academic options. Over the past three years, HEROES and DoCS have worked to create special opportunities for students who have been identified through similar talent searches. These programs include: enabling students as young as 10 years old to take credit bearing courses at Rutgers University, connecting students to some of Rutgers top researchers and faculty members though the annual HEROES conference and forming a team of 13-15 year olds who successfully competed in the Garden State Undergraduate Math Competition.
The Talent Search is open to students between the ages of 11 and 15. Participating students will take the the SAT which is normally taken by high school juniors and seniors. Students must take the SAT no later than March 12, 2011 and have their scores sent to HEROES. Students who meet or exceed age adjusted achievement levels will be invited to participate in an awards program to be held at Rutgers University � New Brunswick on Saturday, May 22, 2011 where certificates, letters of commendation, medals and scholarships will be awarded. DoCS will award one scholarship worth $1,200 to the student with the highest combined SAT score. HEROES will award three $500 scholarships; one each to the student with the highest SAT score in three age categories.
