Mississippi Governor’s School Unlocking Gifts and Talents

Mississippi Governor’s School Established in 1981 by Governor William E. Winter and MUW Funded each year by the MS Legislature Offered at no cost to participants Provides academic, creative, and leadership experiences for high ability rising juniors and seniors MGS Scholars receive 3 hours of college credit

Mississippi Governor’s School 3-week residential program Focus is on interaction between formal and informal learning experiences MGS blends the cultural, academic, social, and recreational components into a natural learning environment MGS offers a collegiate experience

MGS Curriculum Faculty from MS universities and other educators submit proposals for MGS courses Major courses Interdisciplinary Examine the social, economic, political, environmental, cultural, and educational issues facing a changing world Meet 15 hours per week Interest area courses Enrichment/exploration Meet 7.5 hours per week

Leadership & Personal Development Leadership classes meet 5 hours/week. MGS utilizes the IMPACT Model © Individual Development Map the Future Prioritize Time & Energy Accept & Affirm Self & Others Commitment & Communication Teamwork © 2006, Kate Brown

The Fun Side of MGS… Teambuilding Games Improvisational Comedy Dinner Theatre Talent Show Guitar and Chorale Concerts Theme Parties Creative Problem Solving Recreation

MGS Goals & Outcomes Inspire a love of learning Facilitate the discovery of self Recognize and respect the value of differences Facilitate personal and academic growth Encourage the desire to use gifts and talents to improve society

The MGS Experience

Eligibility Requirements Resident of Mississippi Enrolled in either the 10th or 11th grade of a Mississippi secondary school Has not attended a previous MGS session Performance criteria: Gifted eligibility ruling OR Score on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, or PLAN representing the top 10% of students at their high school

Eligibility Requirements Ability, maturity, desire, and willingness to cope successfully with advanced academic concepts, materials, and activities Positive attitude toward the exploration of new and/or different concepts and areas of study as well as the ability to analyze and synthesize Ability to adjust to being away from home for an extended period of time and commitment to participating in the full three week program

Nomination/Application Process Student Information Essay Permission Form and Information Release Teacher Recommendations (2) Recommendation (Part E) Verification of Eligibility Immunization Record and Transcript

Selection Process Applicants are screened for eligibility Selection Committee will meet in late February MGS staff Educators in the field of Gifted Education At least one qualified candidate from each high school accepted Additional applicants from the same high school will be accepted as space allows

MGS Timeline October Applications available February Application deadline March/April Acceptance notification June MGS Session

Mississippi Governor’s School Contact MGS Mississippi Governor’s School 1100 College St., MUW-129 Columbus, MS 39701 (662) 241-6096 govschool@muw.edu www.muw.edu/govschool