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Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education

The following programs are offered through the Connie Belin & Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Students in each of the Belin-Blank programs participate in cultural and recreational activities and have access to University of Iowa libraries, computer facilities, and study areas. Housing and meals are provided at the University's residence halls. For more information about the center's programs, contact the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development or visit the center's web site.

Asian and Pacific Studies Institute

The Asian and Pacific Studies Institute (APSI) is a one-week residential summer program for gifted students. A collaboration of The University of Iowa’s Center for Asian and Pacific Studies and the Belin-Blank Center, APSI provides talented students with an intensive, advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth.

To be eligible for the institute, students must have finished grade 9, 10, or 11 and must be nominated by their schools. Financial support is available.

Blank Summer Institute

The Blank Summer Institute for the Arts & Sciences (BSI) is a one-week residential summer program for exceptionally talented Iowa students. BSI provides participants with an intensive, advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth. The study plan, which complements the regular school curriculum, consists of eight courses that explore advanced science, math problem solving, social sciences, creative writing, invention and innovation, visual arts, performing arts, and global and cultural studies.

To be eligible for the institute, students must have finished grade 7 or 8 and must be nominated by their schools. Financial support is available.

Iowa Governor's Institute

The Iowa Governor's Institute for the Gifted and Talented (IGI) is a one-week residential summer program that provides exceptionally talented students with an intensive, advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth. Participants enroll in one course, Leadership for Students Who Want to Make a Difference.

To be eligible for the institute, students must be from Iowa and must have finished grade 7 or 8. A nomination packet is required, and financial support is available.

Iowa Talent Project

The Belin-Blank Center and the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids school districts collaborate through the Iowa Talent Project (ITP) to identify underrepresented talented and gifted students who are taking upper-level or advanced courses as they progress through secondary school. The project's goal is to help students recognize their potential and take advantage of rigorous courses of study that challenge them.

Participants attend a residential summer program at The University of Iowa that focuses on college preparation. They enjoy recreational and cultural experiences while they are on campus. ITP students also complete advanced placement (AP) courses and take at least three AP exams. The cost of attending the session is covered by the University.

Upon finishing high school, successful ITP students are admitted to The University of Iowa and are given financial aid based on need and merit. Once enrolled at the University, students must maintain a designated grade-point average while taking approved courses as full-time students and must meet other specified requirements.

Junior Scholars Academy

Students in grade 6, 7, or 8 may attend the Junior Scholars Academy (JSA), a one-week summer residential academic program at The University of Iowa for Belin-Blank Center students. JSA consists of 10 classes over two one-week sessions. Students take a single advanced course for the entire week and may apply for one or two sessions.

National Scholars Academy

Students in grade 9, 10, or 11 may attend the National Scholars Academy (NSA), a one-week summer residential academic program at The University of Iowa for Belin-Blank Center students. NSA students choose one of the four advanced one-week courses that the academy offers each summer.

Visual Arts Institute

The Visual Arts Institute (VSI) is a one-week residential summer program for artistically talented students in grades 9, 10, and 11. The institute provides talented artists with an intensive, advanced studio experience designed to enhance their creative and artistic growth. Each student receives a partial scholarship to cover the majority of the institute's cost.