What is the Institute?
The Iowa Governor's Institute for the Gifted and Talented (IGI) is a two-week residential program at
The University of Iowa for 72 of Iowa's gifted students who are
currently in grades 7 and 8. The Institute provides exceptionally talented students with an intensive
and advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth. It is
administered by The Connie Belin & Jacqueline N.
Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Each student selected will
receive a $950 Governor's Scholarship to cover the majority of the cost of the Institute.
Who is eligible to participate?
All Iowa students enrolled in public or approved private schools who are currently in grades 7
or 8 are eligible for participation. Because this is a self-nomination program, all qualified
students should apply. Paper forms are available through the Belin-Blank Center. Students
do not have to be identified by, or enrolled in a talented and gifted program to nominate themselves.
What is the curriculum?
The Governor's Institute is offering the course, "LEADERSHIP FOR STUDENTS
WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."
The issue of leadership takes on many forms and starts affecting our lives at a young age. This
course will allow young people to learn how to lead themselves and then how to lead others. We
will examine a variety of leadership styles and skills and will work to take knowledge from
"theory" to "practice." The Institute will be made up of four sections with 18 students in each.
How do students apply?
Students must submit a nomination packet that contains the following:
- A completed
student nomination form
- A 1-2 page essay on the three most important qualities a good leader should possess
- Two letters of recommendation from persons who know the student's ability in the area of
leadership
- Copy of the student's most recent ITBS scores (or equivalent standardized test scores)
- Copy of most recent grade report
- A completed parental consent form
Students will forward their nominations to the Belin-Blank Center where the final selection of
the 72 scholarship recipients will be made.
How are students selected for the Iowa Governor's Institute?
Completed nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of faculty and staff from
The University of Iowa, educators from the area, and community leaders. The selection committee
will evaluate applications based on the following criteria, ranked in priority order:
- Content of student essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Evidence of commitment and motivation
- Programs or activities involved in at school and in the community
- Maturity to live in a residential setting
Who will teach at the Institute?
Outstanding faculty and staff from across the country have been selected to teach at the
Institute. Residence hall staff includes graduate students and professionals with training in
working with gifted students.
Will there be an orientation for parents as part of the Institute?
There will be an orientation session on Sunday, July 9, for all students and their families.
This session provides parents an opportunity to meet the Institute staff, faculty, and
representatives from The University of Iowa. There will be a Closing Ceremony on Friday, July
21, that will include presentations by students and faculty, as well as an awards ceremony.
How will students be supervised during the Institute?
Students will be supervised at all regularly scheduled Institute classes and activities.
Supervision of the residence hall program will be provided by a residence hall coordinator and
eight resident advisors who will live on the same floors as students.
Will students be expected to participate in the entire Institute?
All students are expected to remain with the program for the entire two weeks as a condition of
their acceptance to the Institute. If a student will not be available for the duration of the
program, he or she should not nominate him/herself.
Will students be allowed to have visitors?
Parents and families may visit students during the Institute. We ask that families inform staff
so that arrangements can be made to facilitate family visits. Families may also make
arrangements to attend religious services with students. Because the Institute is dedicated to
the development of a cohesive community, students may not have non-family visitors during the
program.
Will grades or credit be given at the Institute?
Neither grades nor academic credit will be given for participation in the Iowa Governor's
Institute. However, participants will be expected to show a high level of motivation and
achievement. A certificate for successful completion of the Institute will be awarded at the
Closing Ceremony.
What will the cost of the Institute be to the students?
Each student selected for the Institute will receive a $950 Governor's Scholarship which covers
the majority of the Institute's costs. Each student will pay a fee of $550 to cover the
remaining costs. Together, the Governor's Scholarship and the student fees cover all
instructional costs, room, board, books, and admission to all regularly scheduled activities.
Students and their families will assume responsibility for transportation to and from the
Institute and incidental expenses, such as souvenirs and snacks. Consideration for financial
aid, in addition to the Scholarship, will be made after the students are selected. Financial aid
forms and other information will be sent to accepted students in March.
What will residential life on campus be like?
Students will be housed in
Daum residence hall located next to the Blank Honors Center on The University of Iowa campus.
Most of the Institute's activities will be within brief walking distance of the residence hall.
Male and female students will be assigned to separate floors and all students will share a room
with at least one other Institute student.
In addition to academic programming, students will be able to participate in a variety of cultural
and recreational activities. Dances, picnics, and social events are scheduled by the staff for the
students. Students will also have access to The University of Iowa libraries, computer facilities
and study areas.
What is a typical daily schedule for the Institute?
|
WEEKDAYS |
|
|
7:30 - 8:30 |
Breakfast |
|
8:30 - 8:45 |
Meeting |
|
9:00 - 12:00 |
Class |
|
12:00 - 1:00 |
Lunch |
|
1:00 - 4:00 |
Class |
|
4:00 - 5:30 |
Free time |
|
5:30 - 6:30 |
Dinner |
|
6:30 - 7:30 |
Study sessions / Community service |
|
7:30 - 10:30 |
Evening activities |
|
11:00 |
Lights out |
Weekend and evening activities include special seminars, off-campus field trips, and cultural and
recreational activities. Special arrangements will be made for students who wish to attend
religious services.
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About IGI
Dates & Deadlines
Contact Information
Student Nomination
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