What is a TAGT Summer Scholarship?
TAGT Summer Scholarships are available to identified gifted students, grades K-12, who wish to attend academic or artistic programs during the summer months. TAGT will award up to $400 to those students who qualify. In 2011, TAGT awarded 57 summer scholarships totaling over $20,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any child who lives in Texas and has been identified as “gifted” is eligible for a TAGT Summer Scholarship. TAGT does accept applications on a case-by-case basis from students in private schools and homeschools, where gifted students may not be formally identified. Contact TAGT’s Associate Director with specific questions.
Where does TAGT get the money for its Summer Scholarships?
TAGT maintains a Scholarship Fund, separate from the general Operating Fund, and gets this money from investments and donations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, TAGT makes all of its money from donations, memberships and conference registrations; it receives no money from the state or federal government. You can support the continuation of this program with a tax-deductible donation today!
Where can I get a TAGT Summer Scholarship application?
TAGT makes scholarship applications available on our website, txgifted.org every January, and applicants may apply through early spring.
If my child applies for a TAGT Summer Scholarship does that mean he/she is applying to the summer program, too?
No. A TAGT Summer Scholarship application is completely separate from an application to actually attend a summer program or camp. Students must apply directly to the summer program or camp in order to be accepted to attend; the TAGT Summer Scholarship is designed solely to help pay for the cost of attending such programs.
What is involved in the application for a TAGT Summer Scholarship?
The application has four questions that must be completed. There are two questions for the student to answer in his/her own words, one question the parent or guardian answers, and one question for another adult who will make a recommendation. That person can be any adult who knows the child well. Most commonly, it is a teacher or a person who knows the child through private lessons, religious school, scouting, etc.
Are there income requirements or restrictions?
There are no income requirements or restrictions. The scholarships are awarded based entirely on the quality of the responses to the questions on the application.
Do I have to become a member of TAGT for my child to receive a Summer Scholarship?
While TAGT strongly encourages you to become a member, it’s not required in order to apply for a scholarship. The application does require someone who is a TAGT member to sign on as a sponsor.
If I am not a member of TAGT, how can I locate someone who is a member to become a sponsor?
Ask your child’s G/T teacher if he/she is a member of TAGT and eligible to sign it. If not, try the district director of gifted programs or advanced academics. You can also contact the TAGT Board Members in your area and they may be able to assist you. It’s perfectly acceptable to join TAGT at the time of the scholarship application and be the sponsor for your own child. TAGT parent memberships cost only $25.
How large is a TAGT Summer Scholarship?
A student can receive up to $400 for an academic or artistic summer camp/program. If the program only costs less than $400, then the award could be for the full cost of tuition. If the program costs more than $400, the maximum amount a student can receive is $400.
What types of camps/programs are covered with this scholarship?
TAGT Summer Scholarships are awarded to identified, gifted students who wish to attend summer programs with an academic or artistic focus. There is no formal list of acceptable programs. TAGT offers suggestions of K-12 summer programs, but a child is not restricted to those.
How often can someone receive a TAGT summer scholarship?
A student may receive a TAGT summer scholarship once every three years. If a child does NOT win a scholarship this year, he or she may apply again next year.
How is scholarship money awarded?
All applicants will receive notification from TAGT by April 15 as to whether or not they have received a scholarship. If a scholarship has been awarded, a one-page form must be completed and returned to TAGT, along with a letter of acceptance from the program a student plans to attend. Scholarship checks are made payable to the student AND the summer program for accounting purposes.
When is the deadline to turn in the scholarships?
The scholarships must be postmarked no later than March 1. They must be mailed directly to TAGT at 1524 South IH 35, #205, Austin, TX 78704. Faxes and electronic applications are NOT accepted.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Contact Tracy Weinberg at tweinberg@txgifted.org or call 512.499.8248 x205.
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