According to the National Association of Gifted Children, “Students who give evidence of high achievement capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity…” are said to be gifted. While these students may have a high ability to learn and succeed, they are not without struggles to find the funds to attend school. Often, gifted students need more specialized programing to allow them to reach their full potential, and this can mean more money required for tuition and expenses. Luckily, there are scholarships available (both nationally, and state specific) for gifted children, that can make attending appropriate schools and specialized programs much more feasible.
National scholarships
Davidson Fellowships: These fellowships are awarded, by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, to gifted and talented U.S. children under the age of eighteen. The scholarships are awarded to children who have created a significant piece of work in the following areas: math, science, literature, music, technology, philosophy, or outside the box. There is no minimum age required to receive one of these fellowships. Davidson Fellowships are available in amounts of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000.
NSGT Board of Trustees Scholarship Fund: The National Society for the Gifted & Talented provides scholarships to gifted and talented students who demonstrate advanced abilities in their specialized field. The money can be used to help pay for specialized programs including, but not limited to, leadership, foreign language, and cultural programs. Scholarships are awarded in amounts of $750, $500, and $200.
Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers this program to gifted middle school students who excel in academics, and in extracurricular activities. Young Scholars must also have a financial need, as the average family income of these students is $25,000. Students are given access to specialized programming to develop their expanded learning capacity. Young Scholars register for the program in 7th grade, begin in 8th grade, and continue in the program throughout their high school careers. Past alumni of this program have attended higher education institutions like UC Berkeley and Yale.
State specific scholarships
Arkansas: The University of Arkansas hosts the Summer Academy for Gifted & Talented Scholars. Students who are completing 8th or 9th grades are eligible to attend the Summer Academy and apply for scholarships that range in amounts from $250–$2,450.
California: The California Association for the Gifted offers several awards for gifted and talented children. These funds include college scholarships, grants, and distinguished student awards ranging in amounts from $500 to $1,000.
Florida: The Florida Association for the Gifted offers several scholarships and grants including two $1,000 Scobee Scholarships for male or female students who want to pursue their interests in the areas of math, science, or technology.
Information about other state specific scholarships for gifted children can be found on the website of the Duke University Talent Identification Program. For more information about gifted children, please visit the websites of the National Association of Gifted Children, and the National Society for the Gifted & Talented. Be sure to explore affiliates of these organizations, as well as the Department of Education in your home state.
