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The Center for Creative Scholars serves as a laboratory and research organization within the advanced program in Gifted Education offered by the School of Education. In both the Winter and Summer seasons, our organization presents stimulating opportunities for gifted learners to engage in creative exploration. These events provide teachers in the program with hands-on experience working with exceptional learners in an organic setting.

During the month of January, we offer STEAM SATURDAY, a program designed for gifted learners in grades 2-6. This one-day event features STEM-based activities integrated with the arts, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.

In June, we host SUMMER EX-STREAM, a three-day program for gifted learners in grades 2-6 that provides opportunities for critical thinking and musical experiences. Participants conclude the program with a creative musical performance.

While it is recommended that participants be enrolled in an intellectually gifted program at their school, it is not mandatory. We welcome participation from homeschool learners as well.

The “Grow Your Own” program is designed to address Mississippi’s critical teacher shortage. It will enable high school students who want to become classroom teachers to fast-track their careers through a combination of dual enrollment classes, an accelerated schedule and tuition waivers. Through the program, these students can graduate from ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl with a bachelor’s degree in three years. Because the curriculum includes employment as teaching assistants, these students will also be able to enter the state retirement system and qualify for state benefits during their second year at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl.

• High school: Participating K-12 school districts choose students to participate in the “Grow Your Own” program. ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl counselors advise students on their schedules. Students graduate from their high schools with 12 hours of dual enrollment credits (pending transcript audit).
• Year 1 at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl: Students begin ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl classes the summer after they graduate from high school. They then take fall and spring classes at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl. Finally, they finish year one with summer classes. During this year, K-12 school districts coordinate placements for their chosen students as K-3 teacher assistants in district schools.
• Year 2 at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl: Students take classes at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl in the fall, spring and summer semesters. They also work as teacher assistants at a school in their K-12 district. Employment as teacher assistants has two benefits: 1) they enter the state retirement system; and 2) they qualify for $9,000 teacher assistant scholarship per academic year once accepted into the teacher education program.
• Year 3 at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl: Students take classes at ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl in the fall and spring terms. They also continue working as teacher assistants at a school in their K-12 district.
• After graduation: At the end of the third year, students have earned 121 credit hours and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Participating school districts agree to give hiring preference for teaching positions, when possible, to ¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥Ò•îl graduates of the “Grow Your Own” program.