A university campus is an unusual place to see a kindergarten student, but a program this summer will address the learning needs of gifted students from kindergarten all the way to the tenth grade.

Registration has begun for Threshold 2009. The summer enrichment program for gifted children provides an opportunity for children entering kindergarten through tenth grade to explore topics with intriguing names like 'The Mysteries of Man" and "The Audacity to Change the World."

Hardin-Simmons University began offering this program some 30 years ago. The dates of Threshold 2009 are July 13-17 and July 20- 24.

Threshold has been recognized throughout the state as an exemplary enrichment program. It provides challenges for students whose abilities enable them to benefit from experiences beyond those provided by the regular school program. Few universities provide classes which enrich and challenge students beginning at such a young age.

Dr. Mary Christopher, Associate Professor of Education, is the director of the program. Dr. Christopher came to HSU in 1995 after having taught gifted children for fifteen years in Oklahoma and Kentucky.

Teachers for the Threshold Program have a wealth of experience in gifted education and most hold a Masters in Education.

During Threshold 2009, students will study world cultures, architecture, and human experiences. Students will have the opportunity to crack a secret WWII code, use famous soundbites to create a world-changing message, and roll the dice on a life-sized game board and solve the problem dictated by the dice.

Younger children get to travel around the world in 10 days, study the history of our nation by our monuments, and design and create architectural structures.

Session I is July 13-17 and Session II is July 20-24. Students may attend one or both sessions. The fee for the younger students is $90 for the five-day session and for the older students the fee is $150 per session.

Students who are not currently involved in a Gifted and Talented program with their school can be tested for eligibility.

A limited number of scholarships for students with demonstrated economic need are available each year. Interested students and/or parents can obtain enrollment forms and further information about the Threshold Program by accessing the website at threshold.hsutx.edu or contact Dr. Mary Christopher through the Threshold Information line at 671-2150.