Opportunity for high school students

Representatives of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University will conduct an informational meeting for high school students and their parents as well as interested community members 6 p.m. Nov. 27 in Crestwood at the Oldham County Arts Center.

The Gatton Academy, a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is in its first year of operation. The inaugural class of students represents 61 counties from across the Commonwealth. Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.

The goal of the Gatton Academy is to enable Kentucky's exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, the students will take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, they will be high school graduates and will have earned at least 60 college credit hours.

The students live and learn with peers who share their enthusiasm and interest in learning. Room, board and tuition is funded by the Commonwealth. Kentucky becomes the 14th state to offer a residential program with a focus on math and science supported by the state.

The informational sessions are sponsored in part through a generous donation by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.