Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Encyclopedia
The Davidson Institute for Talent Development is a nationwide nonprofit organization established by former educational software entrepreneurs, Bob and Jan Davidson. The organization's mission is to support the needs of profoundly gifted children through information resources, networking and educational opportunities, family support, advocacy, and scholarships.
in 1997, Bob and Jan Davidson's focus shifted to philanthropy, with the intent of helping America's brightest young students. Deciding that gifted students are arguably the most underserved and neglected in America’s educational system, this led to them establishing the Davidson Institute for Talent Development in 1999.
As of December 2010, there are more than 1,800 students in the Young Scholars program.
In the inaugural year of THINK (2004), 19 students attended. In 2010, 60 students attended.
was created following state legislation in 2005 that designated it as a “university school for profoundly gifted pupils.” The Davidsons decided to create the Academy as an outgrowth of the THINK Summer Institute, upon learning of the interest shown by many of the parents of the students who attended the summer program. Located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno
, the Academy is a free public school for profoundly gifted middle and high school level students.
In the Academy's inaugural year (2006–2007), 35 students were enrolled. For the current year (2010–2011), 123 students are enrolled.
Davidson Fellow Laureates are awarded $50,000 scholarships, and Davidson Fellows are awarded either a $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship. Since the scholarship began in 2001, 146 students have been awarded more than $3.6 million.
Background
After selling the successful software company Davidson & AssociatesDavidson & Associates
Davidson & Associates was an educational software company headquartered in Torrance, California. It was best known for the Blaster series, including Math Blaster and Reading Blaster...
in 1997, Bob and Jan Davidson's focus shifted to philanthropy, with the intent of helping America's brightest young students. Deciding that gifted students are arguably the most underserved and neglected in America’s educational system, this led to them establishing the Davidson Institute for Talent Development in 1999.
Programs
The Davidson Institute seeks to provide support to gifted students, as well as their parents and educators, through a number of programs and services.Davidson Young Scholars
The Davidson Young Scholars is a program designed to support the educational and developmental needs of profoundly intelligent young people between the ages of 5 and 18 in the United States. This program also seeks to assist parents and students with academic support and educational advocacy, child and adolescent development, and talent development.As of December 2010, there are more than 1,800 students in the Young Scholars program.
THINK Summer Institute
The THINK Summer Institute is a three-week residential summer program on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno for profoundly gifted 13- to 16-year-old students. Attendees are given the opportunity to earn six transferable college credits. To attend, students must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent U.S. resident living in the United States.In the inaugural year of THINK (2004), 19 students attended. In 2010, 60 students attended.
The Davidson Academy of Nevada
The Davidson Academy of NevadaDavidson Academy of Nevada
For the Davidson Academy in Tennessee, go to Davidson Academy.The Davidson Academy of Nevada is a public school located in Reno, Nevada. The school, founded by Jan and Bob Davidson, is for profoundly gifted secondary students, and is the first public school of this kind in the United States...
was created following state legislation in 2005 that designated it as a “university school for profoundly gifted pupils.” The Davidsons decided to create the Academy as an outgrowth of the THINK Summer Institute, upon learning of the interest shown by many of the parents of the students who attended the summer program. Located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno
University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno , is a teaching and research university established in 1874 and located in Reno, Nevada, USA...
, the Academy is a free public school for profoundly gifted middle and high school level students.
In the Academy's inaugural year (2006–2007), 35 students were enrolled. For the current year (2010–2011), 123 students are enrolled.
Davidson Fellows
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes young people under the age of 18 who have completed an original, significant piece of work with the potential to make a positive contribution to society in science, technology, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy or a category called "Outside the Box."Davidson Fellow Laureates are awarded $50,000 scholarships, and Davidson Fellows are awarded either a $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship. Since the scholarship began in 2001, 146 students have been awarded more than $3.6 million.
Educators Guild
The Davidson Institute's Educators Guild is a free national service for teachers, counselors and school administrators. The program seeks to connect members with colleagues and helps them locate resources and discuss strategies for identifying and serving highly gifted students. Members have access to electronic mailings lists, discussion lists, and the Davidson Institute's team of consultants.Davidson Gifted Database
The Davidson Gifted Database provides numerous resources for and about gifted students. The database features search capabilities for articles and resources, as well as state policy pages featuring information specific to each state. The site also includes links to a discussion forum, blog and events calendar.Genius Denied
Co-authored by Jan and Bob Davidson with Laura Vanderkam in 2004, Genius Denied: How to Stop Wasting our Bright Young Minds narrates the frustrations and successes often experienced by gifted students and their parents. The book, published by Simon & Schuster, describes how the needs of the brightest students in America often are not met, as the focus has shifted to underperforming students in recent times. It also provides parents tips on how to help their gifted children and advocate on their behalf.External links
- Official Site
- Davidson Academy of Nevada
- Genius Denied
- Cover story Time, August 27, 2007