IMSA is pleased to share an opportunity for a one semester experience starting in the 2nd semester to graduating seniors around the state as a "Scholar in Residence." The opportunity is intended for Class of 2027 students who have fulfilled their local graduation requirements, and are looking for a unique and challenging opportunity to close out their high school education before they go to college. They could enroll in advanced courses not available in their local school, as well as dual credit options, and must participate fully in the IMSA experience residentially and socially.

IMSA will admit students as Scholars in Residence based on space availability, assuming they meet admissions standards, with priority to areas that are underrepresented at IMSA. See more information in policy JA-SR.

Learn more about Scholars in Residence

From the National Association for Gifted Children:

When you’re raising a gifted or advanced child, it helps to have resources and support that actually reflect who your child is. Parent Day at NAGC26 is a chance to spend a morning learning from experts in supporting gifted kids and connecting with other parents who get it.

Join us Saturday, November 7, in Milwaukee for a two-hour morning program just for parents and caregivers. You’ll hear from experts and walk away with ideas and resources you can actually use at home and at school.

View the Parent Day Agenda -->

And if you want to stay for more, you can. Your Parent Day registration also includes access to NAGC26 sessions on Saturday afternoon, covering topics ranging from social-emotional needs and twice-exceptionality to advocacy, creativity, and support for advanced learners. You’ll also be able to visit the Exhibit Hall and explore resources for gifted children and their families.

• Parent Day Registration: $65
• Saturday, November 7
• Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We hope you'll join us in Milwaukee for Parent Day!

The Illinois Association for Gifted Children provides a variety of scholarship and recognition opportunities for parents, educators, or community members.

The IAGC is proud to offer support to two educators and/or parents who would otherwise be unable to attend the Annual IAGC Conference, in honor of IAGC founding members, Mary Ann Paradise and Ruth Wright. All scholarship winners are recognized at the annual IAGC Conference. 

Teacher Grants provide monetary support for teacher designed projects that cultivate potential in young people with unique gifts, talents, or advanced learning needs. Teacher Grant recipients are recognized at the Annual Conference. 

IAGC also provides a variety of Professional and Advocacy Awards to nominated educators or community members who have dedicated their time, skills, and energy to promoting the needs of gifted children. All award winners are recognized at the annual IAGC Conference. 

The Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa provides a summary of the research surrounding the benefits of acceleration and what to consider regarding athletics in this recent guest post.

From the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa:

Academic Acceleration and Social Emotional Outcomes: What Educators Need to Know

Happy Mother’s Day to all who support, educate, and volunteer within our community.

Parenting in today’s world is no small task, and when you add the gifted dimension to our children’s lives, it becomes a truly remarkable journey—one filled with both soaring peaks and challenging valleys. Our children are extraordinary. Their accomplishments, whether large or small, are deeply meaningful, and witnessing their growth is one of life’s greatest rewards.

As parents and professionals in this community, we rarely have the luxury of slowing down. We are constantly in motion, advocating for and nurturing our children. We wear many hats—educators, supporters, and champions of their academic, social, and emotional development. We read endlessly, attend lectures, seek guidance from one another, and serve as thoughtful detectives, striving to understand the why behind our children’s behaviors and achievements. We collaborate with families, friends, and educators, helping others see that our children were never meant to fit a mold—they were meant to break one.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our CGCC Board Members. Their dedication and work behind the scenes are truly remarkable. From managing social media and communicating programs to planning events and building connections, these talented mothers find time—often late nights and early mornings—to strengthen and enrich our community for all.

Finally, to all mothers: I honor your strength, your resolve, and your unwavering commitment. This journey is not easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. You are an extraordinary group—passionate, resilient, and deeply dedicated to making a difference. On this Mother’s Day, I hope you take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that you have accomplished this past year.

When I find myself in the valleys, I am encouraged by the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a person is not where he or she stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he or she stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Thank you for standing strong—for your children, for one another, and for our community.

Warmly,

Carole Jones

President

Chicago Gifted Community Center

https://chicagogiftedcommunity.org/

Ellis is an AI chat resource built for educators. When a student situation is messy or hard to untangle, Ellis helps teachers and school teams make sense of what they are seeing and review guidance shaped by Children’s Health Council and trusted partners, without starting from scratch in Google search or a generic AI tool. Learn more here!

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) invites high school students and educators to explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) through asynchronous courses in June. Artificial Intelligence Credential for High School Students will trace the evolution of AI from its early beginnings to today’s rapidly advancing technologies and look ahead to future applications shaping society. Through engaging modules, students will examine how AI powers everyday tools, such as speech recognition and computer vision, while also studying the underlying concepts of machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and intelligent agents. Alongside technical foundations, students will critically analyze the ethical, social, and safety considerations that accompany AI’s growing influence. Artificial Intelligence Credential for High School Educators will focus on curricular adoption of AI principles in educators’ own schools. Space is limited. Enroll by April 30 on the IMSA website.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has partnered with NIU STEAM to offer several partial scholarships for young women attending Middle School NIU STEAM Summer Camps. More information here. Application deadline May 1.

Redwood Literacy's Parent Support Program for supporting your child with dyslexia is offering parent scholarships for their next cohort, beginning March 30.

Scholarships available:

✓ 1 Full Scholarship (100% off)

✓ 3 Partial Scholarships (50% off)

Applications close March 22. Apply here.