Fostering Innovation: Student Leaders Shaping Gifted Education

This presentation will explore the innovative collaboration between a federal Javits grant in Central Florida and the student-founded organization. Together, they have restructured an existing district-wide summer camp for gifted and talented K-8 students, emphasizing student leadership and career-based exploration. Student volunteers were trained via leadership seminars to design industry-based enrichment clusters. The student leaders implemented the clusters, guiding their younger peers through activities aligned with their strengths and interests. This model not only enhances the educational experience for gifted students but also fosters leadership skills and real-world application of knowledge among student leaders, allowing them to infuse their personal passions and create a positive impact on the community. Participants will gain insights into a successful model of student-led education, learn practical and innovative strategies for implementation, and gain resources to adopt similar approaches in their own educational settings.