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2021 STARS Online

A student attending REACH Summer Seminar

A gifted summer program for students ages 8 to 11

We are excited to offer social connection and academic exploration in a new format this summer with STARS-Online. Along with academic sessions, students will have opportunities to connect and participate in engaging virtual activities from home.

STARS Summer Camp Admissions
Student studying at desk

2021 Format

The topics of the academic sessions will remain the same as those planned for the in-person program, as will the instructors. Students will also receive “STARS-in-a box” materials and supplies to enhance their participation at home. 

Program Dates: June 21 - 25, 2021

STARS Homepage

Program Highlights

During STARS, student will:

  • Participate in three live academic sessions and complete hands-on coursework independently
  • Join other Young Scholars in games, field trips, and themed discussions modeled after our in-person STARS experience
  • Create crafts and projects from our “STARS-in-a-Box" supplies, mailed to each student
A student listening intently

Program Fees

Deposit: $100 Due by April 5
Remaining Fee: $225 Due by May 3
Total: $325
All program fees are non-refundable.

Davidson Institute children in the classroom

Application

The 2021 STARS application is closed.

Current Participants: If you were accepted into 2021 STARS, you are automatically enrolled in STARS-Online. Final commitment to the program, including associated fees, will not be required until April 5th. If you know that STARS-Online will not be a fit for your Young Scholar this summer, please let us know and we can unenroll your student.

Schedule and Activities

June 21-25, 2021

Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:30pm (Pacific Daylight Time)
Each day will include synchronistic (live) and asynchronistic (independent) activities. Break times will be scheduled throughout the day. A detailed daily schedule will be sent to enrolled families prior to the program.

Sample Schedule 
This is an example of a typical day. Times and activities will vary.  

TimeActivity
60 minutesAcademic Session: Physics of Light (LIVE)
60 minutesAcademic Activity: Physics of Light (independent)
60 minutesBreak
60 minutesAcademic Session: Physics of Light (LIVE)
30 minutesBreak
60 minutesCamp Game & Themed Social Discussion (LIVE)

Frequently Asked Questions

When will you have more information available about STARS, including fees and daily schedule?

As we solidify more details, we will update this webpage and send email updates to enrolled participants. Our goal is to have information finalized soon and no later than March 15th. 

Why is in-person STARS not available this summer?

Many factors were part of this decision. It weighed heavily on us trying to balance the need for some normalcy and in-person connection while ensuring a safe and rewarding interactive experience. Given numerous constraints outside of our control presented by COVID, in addition to a wide variety of unknown factors affecting travel restrictions come summertime, we could not move forward with offering STARS in person as we had hoped would be possible when we began planning months ago.

Can I move 2021 acceptance to 2022?

No. In-person STARS will be starting "fresh" in 2022 and no places from 2020 or 2021 attendees will be reserved.

Can my child participate in STARS-Online and the Summit?

Yes. STARS-Online and the Summit online events will not take place at the same time during the day.

Will the virtual series Davidson offered for families last summer be available again in 2021?

No. Rather than hosting a large virtual series, we will be moving our original summer opportunities online (STARS, REACH, THINK, and the Summit).