Case Western Reserve University will launch a three-week advanced study program this summer for gifted high school students currently in grades 10-12.

Called Equinox, courses will be taught on the CWRU campus from July 6-26, 2003. Equinox is a joint program with Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, offering accelerated advanced placement and advanced honors courses to high school students who seek an edge in college preparation. Students who enroll will experience a mix of challenging course work, social and cultural activities; have an opportunity to earn high school credit; and get a taste of campus life.

"Equinox stems from a partnership with the Center for Talent Development, where educational programs for gifted students have met with terrific success," said Ann E. Boughner, who has planned the program's launch at CWRU.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, CTD is an established, accredited learning center and research facility that serves the gifted community of the Midwest.

"We are thrilled that Case Western Reserve and Northwestern have teamed up to offer the Equinox Program to gifted students," said Boughner. "It provides an excellent opportunity to meet a need in our community."

Equinox at CWRU is designed to be a residential program, but there is a commuter option. Students select one of eight courses to study over the three weeks of the program. Classes meet five hours a day, five days a week, and require several hours of homework each night. Advanced placement courses are geared to prepare students for the advanced placement examinations given in May of the following year.

The program will also offer honors level classes in topics not generally covered in high school. Courses offered this summer include: advanced creative writing honors, theater honors, history of medicine honors, advanced placement environmental science, chemistry honors, research methods honors, and engineering concepts and designs honors, genetics and biotechnology honors.

Master teachers experienced with gifted adolescents teach Equinox courses. The program aims to help students develop critical thinking skills, intellectual self-confidence, a capacity for autonomous and self-directed learning and self-awareness. Students receive academic and personal support from both teachers and residential teaching assistants.

To participate, students must submit an application with evidence of qualifications. Applications are being accepted through May 7, 2003.

Applications are also being accepted to fill teaching and residential teaching assistant positions.

For more information, visit http://www.case.cwru.edu/precollege/equinox.html.