SHERMAN, TEXAS — Austin College is now accepting applications for the tuition-free Center for Southwester and Mexican Studies 2009 Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented High School Students, with successful students receiving academic credit for two college courses (equivalent to eight hours). Students living with their parents or legal guardians in Grayson, Fannin, Collin, and Cooke counties in Texas or Bryan County, Oklahoma, are eligible. Preference is given to students who will have completed their junior year. Classes will start Monday, June 8, and end Friday July 24. Application deadline is May 18.
Students accepted into the tuition-free program must pay a $35 application fee and $25 transcript fee at the time of acceptance into the program. Books and supplies are the financial responsibility of the student and will cost approximately $200. Scholarship funds are available for students for whom the cost of books is prohibitive. Upon acceptance to the program, students may inquire about financial assistance for books.
Up to 12 students will be selected for the non-residential program, taking two tuition-free catalog courses for full transcript credit in academic subjects touching on the interests of the Center. The Austin College Center for Southwestern and Mexican Studies promotes study of the historical, linguistic, political, social, economic, and cultural heritage of Texas and Mexico as part of a unique border region.
In 2009, high school participants will take “Beginning Spanish” and “Texas History” in classes with regularly enrolled Austin College students and taught by regular full-time professors at the college. Both courses will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The history course will meet from 9 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. and the Spanish course will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Successfully completed, these courses may be transferred to any accredited college or university in the United States. In addition, subject to their respective high school’s particular policies, courses in the Summer Institute also could count concurrently toward high school graduation requirements.
“Beginning Spanish” is an introduction to the Spanish language, oriented toward developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is designed for beginning students with no previous experience in learning the language.
“The History of Texas” is a critical examination of the history of Texas from the era of European discovery to the present. The course includes analysis of the state’s ethno-history, economic growth, political development, and society, with emphasis on relating Texas to the history of the United States. Coursework also examines the impact of Texas on the international arena.
Classes will start Monday, June 8th and end Friday July 24th, 2009. The online application, found at www.austincollege.edu/SouthwestSummerInstitute must be completed by Monday May 18, 2009. Applicants must furnish an official transcript and two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or administrators at their respective high schools. At least one of these recommendations must be from a classroom teacher who is personally familiar with the student’s academic abilities. No special form is required for the letters of recommendation, which should be mailed directly to Summer Institute for Gifted High School Students, 900 N. Grand Avenue, Suite 61592, Sherman, TX 75090-4400.
For more information on the Center for Southwestern and Mexican Studies or the SIGHS program, or with any questions, please call (903) 813–2070, or visit the Austin College website at www.austincollege.edu/Category.asp?1968.
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges that Change Lives.
