ABSTRACT
The mission of The Gatton Academy is to provide a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students interested in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Fifteen states provide funding for a residential school focusing on science and mathematics. These schools represent two models—one is the university model, as the school is located on a university campus, and the other is an independent school with its own campus. Students are given the freedom to choose if they would like to meet their remaining requirements through Western Kentucky University (WKU) courses or on their own through other means, such as online through their sending schools during winter breaks or summers. Gatton seniors are considered along with other WKU students for the university’s four nominations. The National Security Language Initiative for Youth program allows students to spend a summer immersed in learning a language and becoming familiar with a culture.
