University of Warwick IGGY Education
Gifted & Talented International Academic Online, Residential Program
Oct 2, 2008 Carla Marie Boulianne
The University of Warwick in England recently launched new gifted programs targeting a global population of gifted youth.
IGGY- The International Gateway for Gifted Youth
IGGY’s mission is helping students with potential to achieve in the top 5% internationally in an area of expertise, whether academic, creative, or athletic. IGGY serves a worldwide community of gifted adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19. Younger gifted kids between 6 and 11 can join IGGY Juniors for online gifted education through the University of Warwick Junior Learning Community.
IGGY Membership
IGGY Foundation Membership applicants must have a sponsoring school or organization and provide a supporting statement. IGGY Foundation members gain access to on-line services. Membership is free during the start-up phase of this new program, but gifted participants should anticipate fees in 2009. Gifted students hoping to attend an IGGY international program must complete a separate form and residential programs carry a fee covering courses, meals, and accommodations.
IGGY Summer and Winter International University Gifted Programs
Over one hundred of the brightest young minds from around the world attended the first IGGY Summer U at the University of Warwick in 2008. IGGY Summer U and Winter U courses are open to gifted applicants ages 11 through 16. IGGY holds two-week university residential programs at locations around the world.
The 2008 Winter U will take place in Singapore from December 9th through December 20th. The 2008 Winter U application deadline is October 19th. The current cost for courses, meals, and lodging is 800 British Sterling Pounds (approximately $1600 US), excluding transportation to Singapore.
Seventeen and eighteen year olds can apply as junior mentors, with leadership responsibilities and paid residential fees (food and lodging). IGGY recruits ten junior mentors for each session.
Courses for the 2008 IGGY Winter U are:
- Chemistry, Physics, and Saving the World
- The World of Mathematics: Solving Global Issues through Mathematics
- Medical Sciences
- Enterprise: Global Young Entrepreneurs
- Creative Writing and Comparative Culture
IGGY Online Forum, Podcasts, Blogs, and Video Bulletins
The online resources at IGGY are still in the developmental phase. Forums strive to provide an interactive international community for gifted learners. IGGY Summer and Winter U participants, IGGY Foundation members, and GOAL participants can collaborate on projects, socialize, and receive feedback from instructors and mentors.
University of Warwick also offers a growing variety of podcasts and IGGY-specific resources will expand as new services launch in upcoming months and years.
University of Warwick GOAL Programme and IGGY Financial Assistance
The GOAL program targets at-risk and underachieving gifted and talented British students in grade 10, providing assistance through grade 13. Services include free access to University of Warwick residential programs, on-line and distance learning courses, mentorship, and career counseling. GOAL Programme participants qualify for free attendance to IGGY Summer and Winter U programs and financial scholarships for travel assistance. IGGY provides limited financial assistance to non-U.K. gifted students demonstrating extraordinary potential and need.
IGGY Promises an International Learning Community for Gifted Youth
While IGGY has not yet reached its fullest potential, the University of Warwick’s latest addition holds great promise for supporting and challenging gifted students worldwide. Parents and gifted kids should expect further gifted educational opportunities in the next year, as IGGY has a record of performing ahead of schedule.
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