Traditional school plays a vital role in education, but what if your child is performing above grade level or has a specialized interest? Most schools offer a standardized curriculum designed for the needs of the majority of students. That means your student may need more opportunities to pursue what interests them in order to reach their full potential.
“What we know about talent development, achievement and growth are that they don’t just happen in one setting,” says Susan Corwith, Ph.D. and Director at the Center for Talent Development. “Supplemental programs are very helpful when creating a talent development pathway.”
Exploring interests in depth
“At the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern, the goal is to deepen the learning experience for the students. We offer them several ways to get immersed in their areas of interest,” Corwith says.
For example, if a student is strong in math or loves to write, Corwith recommends that they try enrichment programs, such as a weekend enrichment course. Multi-week programs like these are not an “extension” of traditional school, Corwith notes. “Students get a chance to do an exciting deep-dive into a topic of interest or particular strength. Plus, at CTD our expert educators bring passionate interest and enthusiasm to programming.”
Programs are rigorous and active, with students working in pairs or in groups. Each course encourages engagement with teachers and peers throughout the session.
“For younger students, it’s all about exposing them to the excitement of a topic through one of our enthusiastic expert educators,” says Corwith.
Besides allowing students to gain knowledge and excitement about their interests, enrichment programs may help a student identify future courses of study or even a career.
“As students work more closely with mentors and their study is more directed, they see where this topic can take them in either college or a future career,” says Corwith.
High school students can take AP courses and qualify for college credit through the Center for Talent Development. Students in grades 6-12 are also eligible to live on the Northwestern campus during the summer as part of CTD’s residential academic summer camp.
Networking with like-minded peers
While advanced students may reap the academic benefits, they can sometimes feel alone in their interests or skill levels. Enrichment programs offer the opportunity to find kids of the same age who have the same interests and skill levels. This can also help with the social and emotional skills that are so important to every age group’s growth and development.
“By meeting other students and adults who share their interests, kids are encouraged to be themselves and keep on their own unique journey of learning and exploration,” Corwith says.
Expert mentorship
The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern teams up with professors, nonprofits and other professionals who excel at their work and are passionate about it. Students get unique opportunities to learn in settings they otherwise would not be able to access. Mentors from diverse professions help students determine how to reach their goals by sharing their knowledge and guidance.
“One of the exciting things our students can take part in is various types of applied practice and research opportunities,” says Corwith. “We strive to have students take part in project-based work or to solve a specific problem that helps them build skills and better understand the long term opportunities in the field.”
Finding the right fit
Because courses are rigorous and in-depth, it’s important for your child to choose the courses that interest them the most. The Center for Talent Development stays on top of course trends and changing academic environments.
“We are always offering new courses that keep current with what is going on today. For example, we have a new course about Artificial Intelligence, aka AI which will be offered through our online program,” says Corwith.
The Center for Talent Development has a treasure trove of resources for parents, too. You can gain support and an online community as you help your child determine their talent pathway.
However, it’s often best to let your student guide the course decisions, says Corwith. “So many of the positive outcomes that we see are student-driven. Be encouraging, and then listen to your child and they will tell you what they are ready for.”
Being a parent comes with many joys and rewards. It also comes with the responsibility to help kids reach their full potential.
“We are passionate about the whole pathway of talent development,” says Corwith. “What drives us is wanting to help kids find out what they are good at and what they like to do.”
To find out more about enrichment opportunities at the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern, including scholarship information, visit ctd.northwestern.edu.
