William & Mary Youth Talent Search Program - Camp Ignite
Camp Ignite at William & Mary gives motivated students the chance to push their limits, connect with peers, and explore advanced academic courses in a supportive, inclusive community.
Unlock Student Potential
The Center for Gifted Education fosters talent development across the lifespan, helping high-ability students reach their full potential academically and personally.
Through the William & Mary Youth Talent Search Program (W&M-YTS), students discover their strengths with above-level ACT or SAT testing and gain access to challenging, interest-driven opportunities for growth.
What We Offer
- Identify Student Potential – Above-level testing highlights readiness for advanced learning.
- Rigorous & Engaging Courses – Expert-taught classes blend deep inquiry with hands-on exploration.
- Community & Growth – Students build friendships, expand knowledge, and develop skills for future success.
Student Eligibility
- Rising 7th–9th graders
- Qualifying ACT or SAT scores for the desired course
ACT: Science ≥ 20 OR Math ≥ 20 OR English ≥ 18 OR Reading ≥ 20
SAT: Math ≥ 530 OR Reading/Writing ≥ 480
Application Process
- Submit the Registration Form
Complete the online registration using this [link]. - Register for the ACT or SAT
When prompted, use the following codes to ensure your scores are sent directly to the Center for Gifted Education:- SAT Code: 9290
- ACT Code: 4344
- Eligibility Review
Once test scores are received, we will review them to confirm eligibility. - Secure Your Spot
Eligible students will receive a payment link to confirm their enrollment. - Select Your Course
After payment is received, families will be sent a direct registration link to choose their course.
Summer 2026 Course List
In Dive Into Oceanography, students will embark on an advanced exploration of the field, beginning with the achievements of early ocean explorers whose discoveries shaped modern mapping, seafloor science, and the first studies of marine organisms. Building on this foundation, students will examine case studies of contemporary expeditions and analyze the diverse career pathways within oceanography. Each subsequent session will provide an in-depth study of one of the four core disciplines—geological, chemical, physical, and biological oceanography—through rigorous, inquiry-driven experiments and demonstrations. From investigating seafloor geology and seawater chemistry to applying mathematical principles of ocean physics and analyzing complex marine ecosystems, students will engage with the ocean at a professional level, encountering phenomena as intricate as plankton migrations, the mechanics of flying squids, and the sophisticated behaviors of whales.
This Physics course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles that govern the physical universe, combining conceptual understanding with quantitative analysis. Students will engage with the core domains of physics, including classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and oscillations, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics topics such as quantum mechanics and relativity. The curriculum emphasizes not only mastering theoretical frameworks but also applying them to practical problems through mathematical modeling and experimental investigation.
Students will develop critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills by designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. The course encourages an inquiry-based approach, fostering curiosity about the natural world and the ability to connect abstract concepts to real-world phenomena. Applications will span from the microscopic scale of subatomic particles to the cosmic scale of astrophysics, illustrating the universality of physical laws.
By the end of the course, students will possess a robust conceptual foundation in physics, strengthened problem-solving abilities, and an appreciation for the role of physics in technological innovation, engineering, and scientific discovery. This course is designed to prepare students for advanced study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and to cultivate a lifelong curiosity about the workings of the universe.
More classes coming soon!
*Students should select a course that matches both their interests and willingness to commit fully for two weeks.
Camp Pricing |
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Program Type
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Early Registration (by Jan 31)
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Regular Registration (Feb 1 – Apr 30)
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Residential
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$5,299
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$5,599
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Day Program
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$2,199
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$2,399
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*Residential Program includes housing, meals, activities, field trip fees and 6 hours of instruction per day.
Day Program includes lunch, field trip fees, and 6 hours of instruction per day.
Contact