"Opportunities for the Future" Summer Conference FAQ’s

What is the focus of the Conference? What should I expect to get out of it?
The focus of the conference is to provide families with academically-talented children the information they need to plan ahead for the future successes in middle school, high school, college, and post-collegiate life. Parents will learn from top experts in gifted education about social and emotional development, discover resources to maximize their child’s future successes, and get a jumpstart on college planning. Students will “choose a minor” with master teachers. Older students will have the option to participate in college and career planning.

Why do gifted students need to plan so early for the future?
Often academically-talented students take advanced courses earlier and therefore need earlier access and exposure to their next stage of educational pursuit.

What is the format of the conference?
The conference lasts all afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Registration begins at 12:15, and parents are recommended to arrive at this time. Parents and children attend separate sessions. Students attend one specialty class for the whole duration of the conference.

Who runs the classes for the students?
The classes are taught by some of the Center for Talent Development Summer Program’s most popular teachers.

Who are the speakers?
Our speakers are experts in the field of college planning, gifted education, and preparing for high school. Many are teachers, guidance counselors and scholars well acquainted with the special needs of talented students.

Do students stay in the same class all day?
Fourth to sixth graders pick one class that interests them prior to the conference and remain in that same class for the duration of the conference. Seventh to twelfth graders pick a core session then attend two sessions of their choice.

If I have children who are not in fourth grade yet are they allowed to attend the conference?
There is childcare available for children ages 4-8. They will be under the supervision of the summer program staff, who will entertain the children with games and crafts from 12:15-5:15 p.m. Parents will need to sign in their children after registering at the Technological Institute.

Where can I park?
There is free parking available in the Tech Parking lot, located directly across the street from the Technological Institute building on Sheridan road. There is also parking available down near Annenberg Hall. See map on the conference form to locate parking.

Can my child attend a class designed for older students?
Your child can be placed in a class designed for older students, however, class curriculum is designed based on ages of the children and we want your child to get the most out of a class. We also want to avoid changing schedules and students frustrated by overly advanced content, so please use caution when signing a student up for a class above level.

Does my child need to be eligible to participate in the conference?
All children over the age of four are eligible to participate. While there is no admittance criteria, the topics are designed for and about academically talented students.

How do I register for sessions?
The registration form can be found on our website. It can be faxed into the Center. The other option is to call (847-491-3782) and request a brochure and one will be sent out promptly.

Will I get my first choice for sessions?
We will try our best to accommodate preferences. We will update the outreach page on our website with course closings should they occur before the conference.

I am a teacher, Can I receive CPDU’s for participating in the conference?
Yes. There will be forms present at the registration desk. Just ask when you check in.