From Superhero Science and Gothic Studies to Corporate Business and Entrepreneurship - all at the Centre for Talented Youth in Ireland (CTYI)

Minister Jimmy Devins T.D. - pictured with students from the 'Me and my body' CTYI class"

CTYI’s six-week summer programme for high ability children started at DCU on June 22nd 2008. Over 1800 students aged 6-16 years from Ireland and abroad are participating in a range of courses that have been designed to stimulate these ‘talented’ students.

This summer over 100 academic courses will be offered in subjects like Biomedical Diagnostics, Astronomy, Gothic Studies, Novel Writing, Corporate Business and Superhero Science to name but a few.

Other venues for CTYI include, Cork, Limerick, Athlone, Letterkenny, Waterford, Galway, Enniscorthy and Tralee.

The programme provides educational opportunities to allow high ability students reach their potential. The students take fast-paced courses in subjects they don’t normally get to study at school.

Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Jimmy Devins TD, visited CTYI on Tuesday July 1st.

Minister Devins said, ‘‘It is super to see so many talented young people who have chosen to participate in such a valuable project during their summer holidays. The Centre for Talented Youth has proved to be a wonderful educational resource over the years. I congratulate Course Director Colm O’Reilly and all his staff for their hard work’’.

Colm O’Reilly, CTYI Director said the coming weeks at DCU are the highlight of the CTYI calendar. “This course is a fantastic opportunity for students to study college-like subjects in a supportive environment. All of our instructors are constantly amazed at the high level of ability and interests of the participants. Socially, the students get a chance to meet like-minded peers and many make life-long friendships.”