AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific University welcomes the Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) Summer School Program to campus June 29-July 23 for the eighth consecutive year.
The summer school is a partnership between APU and the Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) to promote the pursuit of higher learning for Azusa youth. At a time when many extracurricular programs are being cut, this summer school course provides a unique opportunity for students from third grade through high school to participate in an enriched curriculum taught by AUSD and APU faculty. About 140 students are expected this year.
"Each year, I'm impressed with the students, teachers, parents, and their commitment to a quality education for all children in a diverse community," said Maria Pacino, Ed.D., chair of the Department of Advanced Studies in Education and G.A.T.E. summer school coordinator.
As part of the program, students also have the opportunity to participate in various field trips throughout the summer, including the Long Beach Marina boat experience for high school students, sponsored by the Azusa/Glendora Rotary club.
Classes take place on APU's West Campus, and this year 15 high school students will be some of the first ever to learn and study in the brand new, state-of-the-art Segerstrom Science Center, in a class taught by APU professor Scott Kinnes, Ph.D.
Established in 2001 by Alice Watkins, Ph.D., former dean of APU's School of Education and then assistant superintendent of AUSD, the G.A.T.E. program offers local youth the opportunity to learn content and skills beyond the required yearly academic work. APU offers six full scholarships in support of this learning advancement, to AUSD students from Azusa and Gladstone high schools.
For more information, contact Pacino at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5367. Reporters interested in visiting the campus may contact Allison Oster at (626) 815-4518.
