Gifted students gain enrichment at Northwestern State

By Peter Finney Jr.
Clarion Herald

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana – located about four hours north of New Orleans – will host its 34th ADVANCE Program for Young Scholars July 10-30.

ADVANCE is a three-week residential program that offers a challenging and rewarding curriculum for bright students currently in grades 7-11.

Students enroll in one course for intense and demanding study, and courses have approximately 15 students.

“The program usually has 10% to 15% of its students from the New Orleans area,” said Harriette Palmer, associate director of ADVANCE. “They are academically strong students. We would love to have more.”

Students are taught by a diverse and talented group of highly qualified instructor-teaching assistant teams who provide an exceptional educational experience and are committed to challenging their students. The classrooms, laboratories and activity venues utilized by the program are located on the Northwestern State campus.

College course in three weeks

Students attend 108.5 hours of class and cover an entire year’s worth of high school material or a semester of college-level material. Course offerings include the humanities, mathematics, natural sciences with laboratory components and computer programming.

While the academic program is top-notch, the residential program sets the program apart from other similar summer workshops. The residential life portion is vital to the program, offering balanced recreational and social activities to complement the intensive academic curriculum.

ADVANCE has built up a host of traditions and a strong community of staff and students that keep students returning year after year. It provides everything bright and inquisitive students could want in a summer experience: an intellectually challenging curriculum that stretches their academic capabilities; the chance to live and interact with peers of similar abilities and interests; and the opportunity to have fun with other kids during summer break.

Students consistently state that program participation changes their lives in many positive ways and that friendships made while at ADVANCE are long-lasting and important. Students often refer to ADVANCE as their second home and their peers as extended family.

All applicants must provide a copy of their most recent report card and state standardized test scores to determine their eligibility. If scores have been misplaced, many schools provide that information on school transcripts, and transcripts may be submitted to ADVANCE. If applicants have taken an ACT or SAT, those scores may be submitted with their applications.

Application and payment deadline for this year’s program is May 3. The financial aid deadline is April 5. Parents must submit the 2022 student application first and then submit a separate 2022 financial aid application with applicable financial documents.

Tuition is $2,850. An additional $50 nonrefundable application fee is due at the time of application, and some classes carry a $50 laboratory fee. Tuition covers room, board, instructional costs, supplies and most activities. Secure online payments may be made.

If two or more siblings attend ADVANCE, each sibling will receive a $250 discount.

Applications are now being accepted. For more information, visit https://advance.nsula.edu, call (318) 357-4500, or email [email protected]