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William & Mary Youth Talent Search Program

The William & Mary Youth Talent Search Program (W&M-YTS Program) will allow students to discover their talents through above-the-level tests and challenge them to perform at their best in their interests. The purpose of the tests is not to label students but to indicate their readiness for advanced and challenging work. Eligible students will be able to select one of the rigorous courses offered to learn through hands-on lessons and activities, gaining a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of their chosen topic.

Mission

The Center for Gifted Education is a learning community that values and fosters the talent development process and optimal functioning of high-ability individuals over their life span.

Student Eligibility

Rising 7th-9th graders who have received qualifying ACT or SAT scores for the desired course.  For more information on why above level testing is important, please watch this short video. 

Application Process

Step 1:

Follow this link to our registration portal to fill out an intent to register for the ACT or SAT.  Once completed, a code will be sent to you for you to input during your test registration.  This code will allow the scores to be sent directly to the Center for Gifted Education so we can determine eligibility.

Intent to Register for ACT or SAT.    

ACT - If your child is 13 years old or older you can register for the ACT.  

SAT - If your child is under 13 years old, you can register for the SAT.

Step 2:

Register for the appropriate exam and utilize the voucher code and Institution code to have the scores sent to you and The Center for Gifted Education to determine student eligibility for the courses.

Step 3:

Once we receive your student's test scores, if they qualify for the program, we will send a payment link for the summer camp.

Step 4:

Upon completion of payment, we will email you a link to register directly for the camp and your desired course.

W&M-YTS Program Summer 2025
Camp Ignite

June 18, 2025 - July 2, 2025

This is a two-week residential or day program camp being held on the campus of the historic College of William & Mary. This program is designed for students who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Students will be offered the opportunity to select a focus area in Math, Science, or the Arts, and spend 60+ hours in that topic. Classes are taught by highly skilled individuals, who are subject matter experts in that field.

We will welcome students from around Virginia, around the country, and countries all over the world to join the William & Mary community. We look forward to giving gifted and talented students who crave knowledge, and academic challenge, and peers who accept them as they are. Camp Ignite offers a life-changing experience that will build academic and social connections. 

Contact

For more information please contact either Ashley Morris at [[amorris03]] or Conor Dibble at [[cwdibble]].